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SERVICE BOOK 



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•BY 



WILLIAM S. JOHNSON 



BOSTON : 
Jniversalist Publishing House. 

1883. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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SERVICE BOOK 



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THE LIBRARY 
Of CONGRM5 

WASHINGTON 



WILLIAM S. JOHNSON 










BOSTON : 
Universalist Publishing House, 

1883. 






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COPYRIGHTED 1882, 

BY THE 

Universalist Publishing House. 



PRINTED AND BJiRCTROTYPED 
BY E. A. JOHNSON & CO., PROVIDENCE, R. I. 



PREFACE 



One object in preparing this book was to provide a 
form of service in which the several departments of the 
school would have a part, anct at the same time make it 
instructive and interesting, as well as more formal than 
the forms usually followed. Another object was to fur- 
nish a service which would give prominence to some of 
our distinctive doctrines, and make clear portions of 
Scriptures which are often misunderstood and misap- 
plied. It is true the necessity for this is not so apparent 
as it once was, yet it will not do to remain altogether 
silent. Although our views are not so openly and fre- 
quently attacked in these days as in the time of our 
fathers, yet the creeds remain the same, and the same 
Scriptures are used to sustain them. Hence the neces- 
sity of introducing into our services such lessons as will 
prevent our children from growing up in ignorance of 
our interpretation of God's holy Word. To meet this 
need, not only have many of the services in this book 
been prepared, but in the opening service for every 
Sunday, God's impartial grace and saving power and pur- 
pose are clearly indicated, so that no scholar of ordinary 
mind can attend a school for six months where these ser- 
vices are used, without knowing something of the grounds 
of our Faith. It was not at first in the thought of the 
author of The Guide to make a new book, entirely, but 
rather to select from other books such services as could 
be found to answer his purpose, and add to these such 



TV THE GUIDE. 

others as were needed to carry out his idea. At the sug- 
gestion of others, however, it was decided to make it in 
the main a new book. Thus it is that, with the excep- 
tion of some of the additional prayers, all the matter has 
been specially prepared for this book. The prayers 
for Easter, Childen's Sunday, All Souls, and Christmas, 
were kindly contributed by Rev. H. W. Rugg ; those for 
Memorial Sunday, and for the Death of a Teacher and 
the Death of a Scholar, by Rev. H. I. Cushman ; and 
the one for Educational Sunday, by Rev. E. H. Capen, 
D. D. The prayers for Opening were made up from 
Rev. James Lombard's Sunday School Liturgy, and 
those for the Sickness of a Teacher, and also for a 
Scholar, were taken from Rev. Henry Bacon's Service 
Book. The author also gratefully acknowledges his in- 
debtedness to Charles E. Carpenter, Esq., the long-time 
Superintendent of the First Universalist Sunday School 
in Providence, R. I., and to Henry B. Metcalf, Esq., 
superintendent of the Pawtucket school and a well- 
known Sabbath school worker, for valuable suggestions 
in preparing this work, and which have made it of greater 
worth. 

The plan of the Guide is to have an established Order 
of Service for every Sabbath, and for this purpose three 
have been prepared. The first is substantially what has 
been used in the Church of the Mediator School for the 
past six years, and which has received the hearty approval 
of many clergymen who in this time have visited the 
school. It is an elaborate service, and intended only for 
large schools. To carry it out in full, it is necessary, as. 
indeed, it is desirable, that all the departments of the 
school should be together at the opening. Tlie second 
44 Order " is shorter and will better suit some schools. 



PREFACE. V 

The third " Order " is quite brief, and may be used in the 
smallest schools, or in any school, if desired. In each 
" Order " the time required is indicated at the right of the 
numbers, and different times are given for different hours 
of meeting, to wit : forenoon, noon, and afternoon. If 
the school meets at any other hour, the time can be easily 
calculated from the examples given. In the absence of 
the pastor at No. 6, (First Order) instead of the invo- 
cation by him, the superintendent may use one of the 
prayers for " Opening," or his own. At No. 10 all should 
bow the head, and after a few moments of silent prayer, 
the superintendent will follow with No. 11. Music for 
No. 14 will be found on page 7, and the chant for the 
Lord's Prayer, (No. 24) on page 8. At No. 27 let the 
school read in concert the study lesson for the day, where 
lesson papers are used. If the uniform lessons are not 
used, this number can be omitted. Following the study 
lesson, the Golden Text is to be repeated. At No. 30 the 
superintendent will announce the service from The Guide 
These services consist of Scripture selections, to be read 
by the superintendent, and a brief explanatory comment 
thereon, which may be used or not as he may elect. In 
some of the services, such as " The Second Coming of 
Christ," " The End of the World," and " Eternal Life," 
some explanation is necessa r y lest the children imbibe 
the popular idea concerning these topics. It was because 
of this seeming necessity that in some cases comments 
are added, and for the sake of uniformity the others were 
provided. Next come the Responses, and Prayer, which 
is followed by singing; the opening service closing with 
No. 34. This will have occupied about twenty minutes, 
which will leave from twenty-five to thirty minutes for 
the teacher's work in his class. Previous to this he 



VI THE GUIDE. 

should take up his collection, (No. 35) that it may be 
ready when the collector calls for it. After the lesson 
instruction is finished, the time may be used by singing, 
or in a review of the lesson by the pastor or superintend- 
ent. After which the library books are to be distributed. 
Then a closing hymn is sung, followed by silent prayer, 
and the " Benediction" or " Parting Invocation." 

The time required for the entire service is one hour 
and a quarter. As all schools are supposed to have a 
singing book, it was thought best to omit hymns and 
leave each school to select its own music. Although 
three forms of service are provided, it is, of course, 
optional for any school to use either one, or any other 
form it may choose to adopt ; or either may be contracted 
or enlarged in any way that may be thought best. And 
if the pastor or superintendent should at any time prefer 
to pray himself, nothing here need prevent him, though 
to the author it seems desirable that as a rule the school 
should repeat a prayer in concert. In all prayers the 
children should be taught to at least bow the head. If 
in addition to this the eyes be coveted with the hand it 
will be still better. 



HYM^T. VII 

HYMN ECU PRIMARY CLASS. 



Jesus said of little children, "Suffer them to come tome." 



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ORDER OF SERVICE.— I. 



1 — 12.13 P. M. First Bell — Preparation. 

2 — 12.15 " Second Bell — Perfect silence. 

3 — Superintendent — O come, let us sing unto the Lord. 

4 — School — Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of 

our salvation. 
5 — Singing — By school or a select choir. 
f! — Invocation, by Pastor. 
7 — Supt. — I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go 

into the house of the Lord. 
8 — Asst. Supt — Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, 
and into his courts with praise ; be thankful unto 
him and bless his name. 
9 — School — Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, 
that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in 
time of heed. 
10 — Silent Prayer. — (All bow the head.) 
11 — Supt. — God be merciful unto us and bless us; and 

cause his face to shine upon us. 
12 — School — Blessed are they that dwell in thy house; 

they will be still praising thee. 
13 — Primary Class Teachers — Suffer little children to 
come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is 
the kingdom of Heaven. 
14 — Primary Class Song — 

Jesus said of little children, 

"Suffer them to come to me." 
Yes, we hear thee, blessed Saviour, 

And we come, dear Lord, to thee — 
Singing, singing with the angels, 

Hallelujah! praise the Lord. I 



10 THE GUIDE. 

15 — Supt. — Behold what manner of love the Father hath 

bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons 

of God. 
16 — Males — And we have seen and do testify, that the 

Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 
17 — Females — The Father loveth the Son and hath given 

all things into his hand. 
IS— Supt. — And he has said : — " All that the Father giv- 

eth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to 

me, I will in no wise cast out." 
19 — Bible, or Young Peoples' Class — For he must reign 

till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 
20 — Teachers — The last enemy that shall be destroyed is 

death. 
21 — School — Then cometh the end when he shall have 

delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father ; 

when he shall have put down all rule and all au- 
thority and power. 
22— Supt. — I beseech you, therefore, brethren by the 

mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living 

sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your 

reasonable service. 
23 — School — For whether we live, we live unto the Lord ; 

and whether we die, we die unto the Lord ; whether 

we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 
24 — Chant — Lord's Prayer. 
25 — Confession — (All uniting.) 

"We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New 
Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and. 
the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind. 

We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love, re- 
vealed in one Lord, Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, 
who will finally restore lh" whole family of mankind to holi- 
ness and happiness. 



ORDER OF SERVICE. 11 

We believe that holiness and true happiness are insepara 
toly connected, and that believers ought to be careful to main, 
tain order and practice good works, for these things are good 
and profitable unto men. 

26 — Singing. 

27 — Scripture Lesson for the Day. 

2$ — Golden Text. 

29 — Invocation Hymn — 

I need thee every hour — 

Teach me thy will, 
And thy rich promises 

In me fulfill. 

I need thee ! oh. I need thee, 

Every hour I need thee ! 
O bless me now, my Saviour ! 

I come to thee. 

30 — Service — Page — 

31 — Singing. 

32 — Supt. — Come now and let us reason together, saith 

the Lord. 
33 — School — Let us " Hear instruction and be wise, and 

refuse it not." 
34 — Supt. — That it may be said of thee, "From a child 

thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are 

able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith 

which is in Christ Jesus." 
35 — Collection. 
36 — Lesson Study. 
37 — 1.02 — Preparatory Bell. 
38 — 1.05 — Second Bell — Silence. 
39 — Singing. 
40 — Remarks. 
41 — Notices. 
42 — Distribution of Books. 



12 THE GUIDE. 

43 — Singing. 

44 — Silent Prater. — (All bow the head.) 

45 — 1.30 — Benediction by the pastor, or the following : 

Parting Invocation — (All uniting.) 
The Lord watch hetween me -and thee when we are absent 

one from another. 



ORDER OF SERVICE.— II 



1—10.43 A. M. First Bell — Preparation. 

2 — 10.45 " Second Bell — Perfect silence. 

3 — Superintendent — O come, let us sing unto the Lord. 

4 — School — Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of 

our salvation. 
5 — Singing. 
6 — Supt. — I was glad when they said unto me, Let us 

go into the house of the Lord. 
7 — School — Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, 

that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in 

time of need. 
8 — Silent Prayer. — (All bow the head.) 
9 — Supt. — God be merciful unto us and bless us ; and 

cause his face to shine upon us. 
10 — School — Blessed are they that dwell in thy house : 

they will be still praising thee. 
11 — Supt. — Behold what manner of love the Father hath 

bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons 

of God. 
12 — Male — And we have seen and do testify that the 

Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 
13 — Females — The Father loveth the Son and hath given 

all things into his hand. 



ORDER OF SERVICE. 13 

14 — Supt. — And he has said : — " All that the Father giv- 
eth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to 
me, I will in no wise cast out." 

15 — School — For he must reign till he hath put all ene- 
mies under his feet. 

16 — Teachers — The last enemy that shall be destroyed is 
death. 

17 — School — Then cometh the end when he shall have de- 
livered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; 
when he shall have put down all rule and authority 
and power. 

18 — Supt. — I beseech you, therefore, brethren by the 
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living 
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your 
reasonable service. 

19 — School — For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; 
and whether we die, we die unto the Lord ; whether 
we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 

20 — Confession — {All uniting.) 

We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New- 
Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and 
the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind. 

We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love r 
revealed in one Lord, Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of 
Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind 
to holiness and happiness. 

We believe that holiness and true happiness are insepara- 
bly connected, and that believers ought to be careful to main- 
tain order and practice good works, for these things are good 
and profitable unto men. 

21 — Singing. 

22 — Scripture Lesson for the Day. 

23 — Golden Text. 



14 THE GUIDE. 

24 — Invocation Hymn — 

I need thee every hour — 

Teach me thy will, 
And thy rich promises 

In me fulfill. 

I need thee ! oh. I need thee, 

Every hour I need thee ! 
O bless me now, my Saviour! 

I come to thee. 

25 — Service — Page — 

26— Singing. 

27 — Supt. — Come now and let us reason together, saith the 

Lord. 
28 — School — Let us " Hear instruction and be wise, and 

refuse it not." 
29 — Supt. — That it may be said of thee : — " From a child 

thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are 

able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith 

which is in Christ Jesus." 
30 — Collection. 
31 — Lesson Study. 
32— 11.32— Preparatory Bell. 
33 — 11.35 — Second BELL-^Silence. 
34 — Singing. 
35 — Remarks. 
36 — Notices. 
37 — Singing. 

38 — Silent Prayer — (All bow the head.) 
39 — 12.00 — Benediction by the pastor, or the following: 

Parting Invocation — (All uniting.') 

The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent 
one from another. 



ORDER OF SERVICE. 15 



ORDER OF SERVICE.— Ill 



1 — 1.58. P. M. First Bell — Preparation. 

2 — 2.00. " Second Bell — Perfect Silence. 

3 — Singing. 

4 — Superintendent — Let us come boldly unto the 

throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and 

find grace to help in time of need. 
5 — Silent Prayer. — (All bow the head.) 
f> — Sv/pt. — God be merciful unto us and bless us ; and 

cause his face to shine upon us. 
7 — Confession. — (All uniting.) 

We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New 
Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and 
the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind. 

We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love, 
revealed in one Lord, Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of 
Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind 
to holiness and happiness. 

We believe that holiness and true happiness are insepa- 
rably connected, and that believers ought to be careful to 
maintain order and practice good works, for these things 
are good and profitable unto men. 

8 — Singing. 

9 — Service — Page — 
10 — Singing. 

ll-^Stipt. — Come now and let us reason together, saith 
the Lord. 



16 THE GUIDE. 

12 — School. — Let us "Hear instruction and be wise, and 

refuse it not." 
]3 — Supt. — That it may be said of thee, ''From a child 

thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are 

able to make thee wise unto salvation through 

faith which is in Christ Jesus. 
14 — Collection. 
15 — Lesson Study. 
16 — 2.48 — Preparatory Bell. 
17 — 2.50 — Second Bell. 
18 — Singing. 
19 — Remarks. 
20 — Notices. 
21 — Singing. 

22 — Silent Prayer — (All bow the head.) 
23 — 3.15 — Benediction by the pastor, or the following: 
Parting Invocation — (All uniting.} 

The Lord watch between me and thee when we ate 

absent one from another. 



SEE VICE L— The Mercy of the Lord, 



The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlast- 
ing upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto 
children's children ; for thou, Lord, art good, and ready 
to forgive ; and plenteous in mercy unto alL them that 
call upon thee. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth 
mercy : for thou renderest to every man according to his 
work. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begot- 
ten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of 
Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorrupti- 
ble, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in 
heaven for you. 

God's mercy is akin to bis justice. It does 
not manifest itself by relieving us of necessary 
and just punishment. The father who spares 
his disobedient child is not merciful. Punish- 
ment is necessary for our good. God's mercy 
consists in meting out punishment according 
to our needs. He never punishes more than is 
required for our good. The Psalmist says, 
"Unto thee, Lord, belongeth mercy; for thou 
renderest to every man according to his work." 
God, then, shows his mercy, not by withhold- 
ing punishment, but by punishing us no more 
than we deserve. 



18 THE GUIDE. 

RESPONSES. 

Supt.— Ho, every one that tliirsteth, come ye to the 
waters, 

School. — And he that hath no money come ye, buy and 
eat : 

Supt. — Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money 
and without price. 

School— Wherefore do ye spend money for that which 
is not bread? 

Supt. — And your labor for that which satisfieth not? 

School. — Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that 
which is good, 

Supt. — And let your soul delight itself in fatness. 

School. — Incline your ear and come unto me : 

Supt. — Hear, and your soul shall live. 

AIL — And I will make an everlasting covenant with 
you, even the sure mercies of David. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty and most merciful God, no mortal 
eye hath ever seen thee, yet thy presence is 
manifest in the genial rays of the sun, which 
warm and invigorate the earth; in the gentle 
influences that surround us on every hand, by 
which we are sustained and blessed; and by 
everything which makes life attractive. We 
thank thee that thou hast not left us without a 
witness of thyself ; that by the gift of thy well- 
beloved Son thou hast made provision for our 
spiritual wants, which are so great, and yet so lit- 
tle regarded by us. We thank thee that though 
subject to the same trials and disappointments 
which so often beset us, yet he was able to en- 



GOD'S PLEASURE AISTD PURPOSE. 19 

dure all ; that though tempted in all points 
like as we are, yet he was without sin. May 
we seek his guidance and be helped by his ex- 
ample/so that when tempted, we shall resist 
every allurement of evil. Make us grateful for 
thy abundant mercies, and though wilful and 
blind to our own best good, be merciful to its 
still, God, and cause thy face to shine upon 
us. Bless our church, school, and parish. 
Make them thy instrumentalities for much 
good. Prosper us in every good work. In- 
crease our interest in spiritual things. Deepen 
our love for thee, and help us to work together 
with one heart and purpose to establish thy 
kingdom on earth, even in the hearts of thy 
children. And thine through Christ, our Lord, 
be all the praise. Amen. 



SERVICE II. — God's Pleasure axd Purpose. 



Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in 
heavenly places in Christ : according as he hath chosen 
us in him before the foundation of the world, that we 
should be holy and without blame before him in love : 
having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by 
Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure 
of his will, in whom we have redemption through his 
blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of 
his grace ; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all 
wisdom and prudence ; having made known unto us the 
mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which 



20 THE GUIDE. 

lie hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of 
the fulness of times he might gather together in one all 
tilings in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which 
are on earth; even in him. So shall my word be that 
goeth forth out of my mouth : it shall not return unto me 
void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it 
shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it. 



Not only are God's pleasure and purpose to 
save all his children clearly set forth in our 
lesson, but we also have the assurance that he 
will not fail in either, but will do his pleasure 
according to his good purpose. To believe 
otherwise would be to doubt his word and dis- 
honor his holy name. 

eespokses. 

Supt. — As I live, saith the Lord God, 

School. — I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked. 

Supt. — Thou hast created all things, 

School. — And for thy pleasure they are and were 
created. 

Supt. — My counsel shall stand ; 

School. — And I will do all my pleasure. 

Supt. — The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, 

School. — Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to 
pass ; 

Supt. — And as I have purposed, so shall it stand. 

School. — I have purposed it, I will also do it. 

Supt. — Is the law against the promise of God? 

AIL— God forbid. 



PROMISES OF GOD. 21 

PRAYEK. 

Almighty God, thou hast created us and not 
we ourselves ; and for thy pleasure we are and 
were created. We bless thee that thou didst 
create us in thine own image and fashion us 
after thine own likeness. And though by our 
disobedience to thy just laws, we have in a 
measure lost our likeness to thee, thou dost 
not forsake us, but hast declared thy purpose 
to save to the uttermost all whom thou hast 
created. As w r e realize this blessed truth, 
our Father, may we be drawn nearer to thee 
in confidence. And though thou art so great 
and altogether beyond the comprehension of 
mortals, make us to realize that the humblest 
and smallest of thy children may come into 
thy spiritual presence and commune with thee, 
with the full assurance that thou art pleased 
to receive their offerings of gratitude and 
praise. Help us, ever gracious Parent, to ap- 
preciate this privilege, and to so improve it 
that we may live as in thy presence ; and may 
we receive from thee that strength which thou 
hast promised to the humble and trusting 
heart. May we live for thee and in thy ser- 
vice, as disciples of the risen Lord, our Sav- 
iour. Amen. 



SERVICE III.— PROMISES OF GOD. 



We know that all tilings work together for good to 
them that love God. He is a rewarder of them that dil- 
igently seek him. Blessed is the man that walketh not 



22 THE GUIDE. 

in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way 
of sinners. The Lord preserveth all them that love him. 
They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. 
They shall not be ashamed in the evil time : and in the 
days of famine they shall be satisfied. The Lord know- 
eth the days of the upright : and their inheritance shall 
be forever. The steps of a good man are ordered by the 
Lord : and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, 
he shall not be utterly cast down : for the Lord uphold- 
eth him with his hand. Mark the perfect man, and 
behold the upright : for the end of that man is peace. 



The promises of God are many, but sure. Let 
us hearken unto him, and diligently serve him, 
and we shall reap the sure reward of our well- 
doing. 

RESPONSES. 

Supt. — Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, 

School. — And the man that getting understanding ; 

Supt. — For the merchandise of it is better than the 
merchandise of silver, 

School. — And the gain thereof than fine gold. 

Supt. — She is more precious than rubies : 

School. — And all the things thou canst desire are not 
to be compared unto her. 

Supt. — Length of days is in her right hand. 

School. — And in her left hand riches and honor. 

Supt. — Her ways are ways of pleasantness. 

School. — And all her paths are peace. 

Supt. — She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon 
her : 

School. — And happy is every one that retaineth her. 



PROMISES OF GOD. 23 

Supi. — The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth : 

School. — By understanding hath he established the 
heavens. 

Supt. — My son, let not them depart from thine eyes ; 

School. — Keep sound wisdom and discretion : 

Supt. — Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, 

School. — And thy foot shall not stumble. 

Supt. — When thou liest down, thou shalt not be 
afraid : 

All. — Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be 
sweet. 

PRAYER. 

Infinite Creator of all things, Ave render unto 
tliee our grateful acknowledgments for the 
manifold blessings thou art constantly bestow- 
ing upon us. We thank thee that thou hast 
created us ; and for this world of beauty and 
glory. We realize that we have done nothing 
to give us any claim on thee, that all thou hast 
done for us has been through thine infinite 
goodness ; and we thank thee that notwith- 
standing our unworthiness, our short comings, 
our repeated failures to live worthy of thee, 
thou withholdest nothing we need. Every 
moment of our lives is a proof that thou hast 
not forgotten us ; everything that makes life 
desirable calls upon us to bless and praise thee 
as the giver thereof. Father, may we not be 
ungrateful for these blessings, nor unmindful 
of our duty to thee; but may our hearts ever 
go up to thee in grateful adoration. May 
we render thee the service which is thy clue, 
yield thee a willing obedience, and be blessed 



24 THE GUIDE. 

with the assurance that we have found favopin 
thy sight. Pardon all thou seest amiss in us. 
Sanctify every blessing to our highest good, 
and save us with an abundant salvation, through 
Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. 



SERVICE IV.— GOD'S LOVE. 



Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be- 
stowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of 
God. We have known and believed the love that God 
hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love 
dwelleth in God, and God in him. There is no fear in 
love ; but perfect love casteth out fear ; because fear 
hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in 
love. We love him, because he first loved us. 

It is said of us, as a Christian people, that 
we make much of God's love. It is true we do: 
and why should we not ? We know that his 
love is something which can be depended on, 
that it is not fickle, but ever the same. He 
does not love to-day and hate to-morrow. His 
love is constant and enduring. Trusting in it 
we feel no harm can befall us. If he punishes 
us w T e know it is for our good ; and as endless 
punishment would not be for our benefit, we 
know he will never inflict it on any of his chil- 
dren. 

RESPONSES. 

Supt. — So all Israel shall be saved, as it is written ; 
School. — There shall conic out of Zion the Deliverer, 



GOD'S LOVE, 25 

and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. 

Supt. — God hath concluded them all in unbelief, 

Schoo'. — That he might have mercy upon all. 

Supt. — 0, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom 
and knowledge of God ! 

School. — How unsearchable are his judgments, and his 
ways past finding out ! 

Supt. — For who hath known the mind of the Lord? 

School. — Or who hath been his counsellor? 

Supt. — Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be 
recompensed unto him again? 

All. — For of him and through him and to him, are all 
things ; to whom be glory forever. Amen. 

PRAYER. 

God of love and boundless compassion, who 
holdeth our lives in the hollow of thy hand. 
We praise thee for the love that gave us being, 
unchangeable and never ending ; a love so 
strong that nothing can be added to it, and so 
enduring that nothing can be taken from it ; 
a love which, embracing all humanity, goes 
out into all the world and plans and pro- 
vides for the greatest possible good for every 
child of thy creation. Make us, holy Father- 
to understand the nature and extent of thy love 
for us, that we are the constant objects of its 
tender care and compassion ; that whatever we 
may do, however much we may disobey thee, 
thy love remains the same ; that we cannot go 
where it will not reach us, nor can we escape 
its unwearying power. As thou, Lord, dost 
so love us and hast done so much for us, and 
hast unnumbered blessings yet in store for us. 



26 THE GUIDE. 

make us, Ave humbly entreat thee, to love thee 
in return. May we love thee supremely and 
devotedly, consecrating ourselves to thy ser- 
vice ; and whatever we do, may it be to thy 
honor and glory and the happiness of our fel- 
low-men. For the gift of thy son who revealed 
thy love to us we sincerely thank thee, blessed 
Lord, and loving thee may we love him also 
who is the brightness of thy glory and the 
express image of thy person. May his name be 
very dear to us, and may we live in imitation 
of his example. Hold us and bless us, sanctify 
and save us ; and thine shall be the praise, now 
and ever. Amen. 



SERVICE V.— The Wicked Punished. 



There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. They 
that plough iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. 
Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though lie 
hide it under his tongue ; he shall suck the poison of 
asps ; the viper's tongue shall slay him. I have seen the 
wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green 
bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not : yea, 
I sought him, but he could not be found. Though hand 
join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished. But 
he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he 
hath done : and there is no respect of persons. And 
every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth 
them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which 
built his house upon the sand : and the rain descended, 
and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon 
that house ; and it fell : and great was the fall of it. 



THE WICKED PUNISHED. %1 

They who teach that a sinful life is one of 
pleasure, and that men by repentance may 
escape all punishment for their wrong doings, 
have a great responsibility resting upon them ; 
for the tendency of such teaching is to encour- 
age sinners in their evil ways. Nothing is more 
clearly taught in the Bible than that the way of 
the transgressor is hard. If we sin we shall 
surely be punished. The only way to escape 
punishment is to obey the injunction : " Cease 
to do evil : learn to do well." 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — The Lord reigneth : let the earth 
rejoice : 

School. — Let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. 

Supt. — Clouds and darkness are round about him. 

School. — Righteousness and judgment are the liabita- 
tation of his throne. 

Supt. — A fire goeth before him, 

School. — And burnetii up his enemies round about. 

Supt. — The heavens declare his righteousness, 

School,-*- And all the people see his glory. 

Supt. — For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth : 

School. — Thou art exalted far above all gods. 

'Supt. — Ye that love the Lord, hate evil : 

School. — He preserveth the souls of his saints; 

All. — Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous, and give 
thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 
PRAYER. 

Father, in view of our sinful lives w r e feel 
that we do not deserve the care thou art bestow- 
ing upon us. We have no merit by which we 
can come to thee, but we come relying on the- 



28 THE GUIDE. 

merits of our Saviour, and in his name we plead 
for help and strength and guidance. make 
us to know what is our real position in this 
world, that both duty and interest require of us 
obedience to thee, that we cannot violate the 
least of thy laws without suffering its penalty ; 
that thy commandments are not made to inter- 
fere with the enjoyment of thy children, but to 
insure their highest good. So, gracious Parent, 
may we be wise and heed them. Incline our 
hearts to a holy life. 0, why should we sin 
against thee? Why should Ave not accept thy 
word as from one who is Infinite in knowledge, 
wisdom and love, and thus maketh no mistake? 
Enlighten our minds, we pray thee, 0, most 
holy One, and turn us from every evil way. 
Forgive our past offences, and make us wholly 
thine, forevermore. Amen. 



SERVICE VI.— The Righteous Rewarded. 



Thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous ; with favor wilt 
thou compass him as with a shield. With long life will I 
satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. So that a man 
shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous : ver- 
ily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. A little that a 
righteous man hath is better than the riches of many 
wicked. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree : 
he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. The fruit of the 
righteous is a tree of life : and he that winneth souls is 
wise. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the 
earth. Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with 
him ; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 



THE RIGHTEOUS REWARDED. 29 

The Scriptures command and commend a 
righteous life. If they are true, as we believe 
they are, it pays to do right. Our good deeds 
are sure to bring their just reward. That we 
might know how to live, God sent his only 
begotten Son into the world. He is the way, 
the truth, and the life. We have his record for 
our guidance, and by imitating his example the 
blessing of the Lord will be upon us. 

RESPONSES. 
Superintendent. — A good name is rather to be chosen 
than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and 
gold. 

School. — He that loveth pureness of heart, for the 
grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. 
Supt. — A sound heart is the life of the flesh ; 
School. — And a good man shall be satisfied from him- 
self. 

Supt. — In the house of the righteous is much treasure r 
School. — But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 
Supt. — There shall no evil happen to the just : 
School. — But the wicked shall be filled with mischief- 
Supt. — He that walketh uprightly walketh surely : 
School. — But he that perverteth his ways shall be known* 
Supt. — The hope of the righteous shall be gladness : 
School. — But the expectation of the wicked shall per- 
ish. 

All. — Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from 
speaking guile. 

PRAYER. 

Ever blessed and ever wise God, Ave thank 
thee that amidst all our trials in this world,. 



30 THE GUIDE. 

with our weaknesses, and inclination to sin, we 
have for our encouragement that if Ave resist 
the tempter and flee from him, we shall be 
blessed of thee with a sure reward. May we 
treasure up this comforting assurance which 
has come down to us by the mouth of the 
prophets of old, and who were inspired by thee 
to proclaim thy truth to a sinful and needy 
world. May we accept their teachings as com- 
ing from thee. We remember that when Jesus, 
our Lord, was in need he came to thee for help. 
So would we come to thee, for we feel we are 
too Aveak to battle alone against our adversaries; 
and we pray thee to help us as thou didst help 
him. Strengthen, we beseech thee, heavenly 
Father, all the better purposes of our hearts, so 
that as Ave engage in life's duties Ave may fear 
no evil, because thou art Avith us, and thy 
strong right arm is round about us. So may 
Ave live as thy children ought to live ; and Avhen 
in thine oavii good time it shall please thee to 
bring our lives on earth to a close, may Ave go 
hence assured that Ave have not lived in vain. 
Hear us, Father, and answer us, and unto 
thee be all the praise. Amen. 



SERVICE VII.— God our Father, 



My son, despise not the chastenings of the Lord ; for 
whom the Lord loveth lie chasteneth, and scourgeth 
every son whom he receiveth. We have had fathers of 
our flesh which corrected us and we gave them rever- 
ence ; shall we not much rather be in subjection to the 



GOD OUR FATHER. 31 

Father of spirits and live? Have we not all one Father? 
hath not one God created us? Call no man your father 
upon the earth ; for one is your Father which is in 
heaven. For in him we live and move and have our 
being ; for we are also his offspring. There is one God 
and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and 
in you all. After this manner pray ye : Our Father, 
which art in heaven. 



AVe all know what our earthly parents are to 
us. how ready they are to help us, and how 
great is their love for us. But the love of our 
heavenly Father is far stronger, and he has done 
much more for us than is possible for our earthly 
parents. 0, how great should be our love for 
him ! Let us show our love by serving and 
obeying him. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — God is our refuge and strength, 

School.— A very present help in trouble. 

Supt. — Therefore will not we fear, though the earth 
be removed, 

School. — And though the mountains be carried into the 
midst of the sea. 

Supt. — There is a river, the streams whereof shall 
make glad the city of God, 

School. — The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most 
High. 

Supt. — God is in the midst of her: she shall not be 
moved : 

School. — God shall help her, and that right early. 

Sirpt. — Be still, and know that I am God : 



32 THE GUIDE. 

School. — I will be exalted among the heathen, I will 
be exalted in the earth. 

All. — The Lord of hosts is with us ; the God of Jacob 
is our refuge. 

PRAYER. 

0' thou who art the God and Father of our 
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the Father 
of our spirits. Help us to come to thee in 
child-like trust and confidence, even as we go 
to our earthly parents ; realizing that thou art 
far more ready to bestow thy good gifts upon 
us than we are to seek thy favors. "We thank 
thee that thou dost acknowledge us as thy 
children, that we can call thee Father, and 
that thou hast a father's love for us which is 
manifold in so many ways. Blessing and honor, 
and glory and power be unto him who revealed 
the Father to us. Without his revelation we 
should be in darkness and doubt ; but thanks 
be unto thee, Lord, that light has come into 
the world, and we now know that the God who 
created us is not a being to be feared, but one 
whom we may reverence and adore as our heav- 
enly Father. Make us, most holy One, worthy 
to be thy children. To this end keep us from 
temptation and save us from sin. May our 
failures to do our duty be incentives to greater 
exertion to be faithful to every trust thou hast 
confided to us. Assist us according to our 
need, and at last receive us into thy mansion on 
high, where with a ransomed universe, purified 
from all sin, we may join in ascriptions of 
praise to thee through a day without night and 
a world without end. Amen. 



CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR. 33 

SERVICE VIII.— Christ our- Saviour. 



Unto you is born this day in the city of David a 
Saviour, which is Christ the Lord ; and thou shalt call 
his name Jesus : for he shall save his people from their 
sins. And we have seen and do testify that the Father 
sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. He shall 
see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied. And he 
is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours only, but 
also for the sins of the whole world. For there is one 
God, and one mediator between God and men, the man 
Christ Jesus ; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be 
testified in due time. Behold the Lamb of God, which 
taketh away the sin of the world ! 

Centuries before the birtli of Christ his com- 
ing was foretold, and also that he would be sat- 
isfied with his labor. That he came to save the 
world and thus do the will of the Father who 
sent him, he, himself, has told us ; and his dis- 
ciples have confirmed it. How can he be satis- 
fied unless all are saved? Let us rejoice that 
he will not rest from his labor until every soul 
is redeemed and sanctified. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — How beautiful upon the mountain 
are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, 

School. — That publisheth peace : 

Supt. — That bringeth good tidings of good, that pub- 
lisheth salvation ; 

School. — That saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth. 

Supt.— Thou madest him a little lower than the angels, 

3 



34 THE GUIDE. 

Schooi\ — Thou crownedst him with glory and nonor. 

Supt, — Thou hast put all things in subjection under 
his feet. 

School. — For in that he put all in subjection under 
him, he left nothing that is not put under him. 

Supt, — But now we see not yet all things put under 
him. 

School. — But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower 
than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with 
glory and honor ; 

Supt. — That he by the grace of God should taste death 
for every man. 

All, — And deliver them, who through fear of death 
were all their life-time subject to bondage. 

PRAYER. 

Father in heaven, we live in a world full of 
blessings ; a world made expressly for us, thy 
children, and with everything therein neces- 
sary for our happiness. For all this and these 
we are indebted to thee the great giver of every 
good and perfect gift. We thank thee for all 
thou hast done for us ; but more especially do 
we thank thee for the gift of thine only begot- 
ten Son, whom thou didst send into the world 
that the world through him might be saved 
from sin and unbelief. We thank thee that 
unto him is given all souls with power to save, 
and for the promise that of all thou hast given 
him he shall lose none. Knowing this, God, 
that he is in the world not only to seek but to 
save sinners, may we who have so often gone 
astray no longer shun him, but turning from 



ETERXAL LIFE. 35 

our evil ways, may we cease to do wrong and 
learn to do right. May we realize that as he 
gave his life for us, we have the strongest pos- 
sible evidence that he is our friend. So may 
we hearken unto him and trust him as one who 
knows our weakness, and is able and willing to 
help us. Make us to feel our need of his help, 
and may we willingly and gratefully accept it. 
Bless this school, holy Father, we beseech thee, 
and as we. meet here from time to time to study 
thy word, may we learn of Christ, our Saviour ; 
and as his life of love and sacrifice is unfolded 
to us, may we learn to love and serve him with 
true hearts acceptably. And unto thee be all 
the praise, evermore. Amen. 



SEEYICE IX.— Eternal Life. 



The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our 
Lord. For God so loved the world, that lie gave his 
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life. As thou 
hast given him power over all flesh ; that he should give 
eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this 
is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true 
God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. And this 
is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and 
this life is in his Son. These things have I written unto 
you that believe on the name of the Son of God ; that ye 
may know that' ye have eternal life, and that ye may 
believe on the name of the Son of God. 



36 THE GUIDE. 

Eternal or everlasting life, as used in the 
Scriptures, is not the life beyond the grave, but 
the moral and spiritual life enjoyed by the 
believer on earth. The meaning of the word in 
the original is age-lasting, and not never end- 
ing. The same word is sometimes applied to 
punishment, and in both cases it has a limited 
meaning. Eternal and everlasting punishment, 
as well as life, mean for a time longer or shorter, 
as the case may be. There is no authority for 
teaching that either is endless. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, 
all ye lands. 

School. — Serve the Lord with gladness ; 

Supt. — Come before his presence with singing. 

School. — Know ye that the Lord he is God : 

Supt. — It is he that hath made us, and not we our- 
selves : 

School. — We are his people, and the sheep of his pas- 
ture. 

Supt. — Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into 
his courts with praise : 

School. — Be thankful unto him, and bless his name, 

Supt. — For the Lord is good ; 

School.— His mercy is everlasting; 

All. — And his truth endureth to all generations. 

PRAYER. 

Thou who art from everlasting to ever- 
lasting, eternal in the heavens ; great art thou 
and greatly to be praised. We acknowledge 
thee as our Creator and Preserver, and we thank 



repentance. 37 

thee that thou hast made us what we are, the 
greatest of all thy works : that thou hast created 
us intelligent beings, endowing us with reason- 
ing powers, whereby we are able to acquire 
knowledge and thus , increase our usefulness. 
Enable us, we entreat thee, to so use our fac- 
ulties and gifts that we may magnify thy great 
and glorious name. Make us to understand 
the object of our creation, why it is that thou 
hast placed us in this world and bestowed upon 
us so large a measure of wisdom. Make us to 
feel that we are not to be idlers and mere look- 
ers on, leaving to thee and others to carry on 
thy work, but to each and every one is given 
something to do according to his ability. So, 
Lord, may we look to thee for guidance ; and 
may it be our aim to do that which is pleasing 
in thy sight. Let thy richest blessing rest on 
this school. Bless all connected with it. May 
the light of thy Gospel penetrate every heart, 
and may all learn of thee and accept Christ as 
their Saviour. Thus shall we receive that eter- 
nal life promised to all who believe in him. 
Hear us, heavenly Father, in all our prayers ; 
answer us, and finally receive us to thyself, 
which we ask in our Redeemer's name. Amen. 



SERVICE X.— Repentance. 



John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the bap- 
tism of repentance for the remission of sins : saying, 
Repent ye : for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Then 



38 THE GUIDE. 

Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one 
of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of 
sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if 
perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 
God now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. I 
am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repen- 
tance. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus : Him 
hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and 
a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgive- 
ness of sins. The goodness of God leadeth thee to repen- 
tance. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as 
some men count slackness ; but is longsuffering to us- 
ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all 
should come to repentance. 



The first step toward salvation is repentance. 
If we would be saved from our sins, Ave must 
first repent. To repent is to feel sorry for what 
we have done, and to resolve that we will do 
better. Our punishments are intended to lead 
us to repentance. In this God has shown us 
his wisdom. But aside from this, we ought to 
repent and turn from our evil paths, because he 
loves us and has done so much for us that we 
ought to do all he asks of us. 

KESPOKSES. 

Superintendent. — Wash you, make you clean. 
School. — Put away the evil of your doings from before 
mine eyes. 

Supt. — Cease to do evil; 
School. — Learn to do well. 



REPENTANCE. 39 

Supt. — Tliough your sins be as scarlet, 

School. — They shall be as white as snow. 

Supt. — Though they be red like crimson, 

School. — They shall be as wool. 

Supt. — Put off concerning the former conversation, 
the old man, 

School. — Which is corrupt according to the deceitful 
lusts ; 

Supt. — And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. 

School. — Put on the new man, which after God is 
created in righteousness and true holiness. 

All. — Go and sin no more. 

PRAYER. 

thou most high and holy One. We make 
our humble confession to thee because thou 
art our Creator. Thou art the source of all 
light, knowledge, and power. Thy name is the 
greatest of all names, as thou art the greatest 
of all beings. As we come before thee it is with 
a realizing sense of our unworthiness. We 
know and feel that we have done nothing to 
entitle us to this privilege. Oar lives have been 
so imperfect, and our hearts are so full of evil 
we would hide our face from thee. But we 
hear thy call to repentance. The voice of 
authority calleth unto us : Repent, repent. 
Forsake thy evil ways and turn unto the Lord. 
May we hear thy call and come before thee with 
broken and contrite hearts ; for a broken and 
a contrite heart, God, thou wilt not despise. 
Draw nigh to us as Ave shall draw nigh to thee. 
Accept, we beseech thee, our offering, poor 
tliough it be, as the best that poor, weak, and 



40 THE GUIDE. 

erring, but repentant and sorrowing mortals 
can give thee. And as we resolve that hence- 
forth we will live better lives, may we lean on 
thee for that strength we so much need, and 
which thou art so able and willing to bestow. 
Hear our prayer, 0, our Father, and answer us; 
and give us that peace which passeth under- 
standing, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
Amen. 



SEEVICE XI.— Forgiveness, 



This shall be the covenant that I will make with the 
house of Israel : After those days, saith the Lord, I will 
put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their 
hearts ; and will be their God, and they shall be my peo- 
ple. And they shall teach no more every man his neigh- 
bor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord : 
for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto 
the greatest of them, saith the Lord : for I will forgive 
their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. For 
the Lord will not cast off forever : But though he cause 
grief, yet will he have compassion according to the mul- 
titude of his mercies. Who is a God like unto thee, that 
pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of 
the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger 
for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 



If we confess our sins we have the promise 
that God will forgive us : not by saving us from 
punishment ; but by forgetting, as it were, that 
we have sinned, and not laying up our sins 



FORGIVENESS. 41 

against us. It is not punishment, but sins that 
are forgiven. When forgiven we are restored to 
God's favor, the same as before Ave sinned. 
Then will come the sweet consciousness that 
we are at peace with God. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Thou art a God ready to pardon, 
gracious and merciful, 

School. — Slow to anger, and of great kindness. 

Supt. — And showing mercy unto thousands of them 
that love thee, 

School. — And keep thy commandments. 

Supt. — The Lord is good to all, 

School.: — And his tender mercies are over all his works. 

Supt.— If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just ta 
forgive us our sins, 

School — And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Supt. — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ. 

AIL — Amen ! Amen ! 

PRAYER. ' 

God of mercy and love. We acknowledge 
our dependence on thee, that all we have Com- 
eth from thee; that thou art our life, our light, 
our joy, and our salvation. We bow ourselves 
before thee, conscious that we are in the pres- 
ence of one into whose face we dare not look, 
for Ave have failed in our duty. We have vio- 
lated thy holy laws.; we have done the things we 
ought not to have done, and we have left un- 
done the things we ought to have done. And 
so we are unworthy to come into thy presence. 



4'2 THE GUIDE. 

But thou, Lord, art kind and forgiving; 
thy loving kindnesses are many, and we would 
be grateful to thee because thou hast been so 
compassionate to us. We pray thee, Father 
of mercies, to have pity on us. Consider our 
weaknesses; that when we would do right, we 
are overcome and thus do wrong. Continue to 
show mercy unto us, to overlook our frailties, 
and our imperfections. Pardon all we have 
done which is wrong in thy sight, and cleanse 
us from all iniquity. May we find no pleasure 
in sinful pursuits; but find our true happiness 
in doing thy will, even as it is done by the 
celestial hosts that surround thy throne above. 
And unto thee, the King eternal, immortal, in- 
visible, the only wise G-od, be honor and glory, 
forever and ever. Amen. 



SERVICE XII. —Obedience to God's Law. 



My son, forget not my law ; but let thine heart keep 
my commandments : for length of days, and long life, 
and peace, shall they add to thee. The statutes of the 
Lord are right, rejoicing the heart : the commandment 
of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. If thou wilt 
enter into life, keep the commandments. Moreover by 
them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them 
there is great reward. Blessed are they that hear the 
word of God, and keep it. The world passeth away, and 
the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abid- 
eth for ever. Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, 
and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which 



OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S LAW. 43 

built his house upon a rock : and the rain descended, and 
the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that 
house ; and it fell not : for it was founded upon a rock. 



The commandments of God are just and 
right. Infinite wisdom hath conceived and in- 
finite love tempers them to the needs of his 
children. The reward of the obedient is great. 
Let us so live that it may be ours to enjoy, now 
and evermore. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — The heavens declare the glory of 
God ; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. 

School. — Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto 
night sheweth knowledge. 

Supt. — There is no speech nor language, where their 
voice is not heard. 

School. — Their line is gone out though all the earth, 
and their words to the end of the world. 

Supt. — The law of the Lord is perfect, converting 
the soul : 

School. — The testimony of the Lord is sure, making 
wise the simple. 

Supt. — The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing 
the heart. 

School. — The commandment of the Lord is pure, en- 
lightening the eyes. 

Supt. — The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever : 

School. — The judgments of the Lord are true and 
righteous altogether. 

Supt. — More to be desired are they than gold, yea. 
than much fine gold ; 

School. — Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 



44 THE GUIDE. 

All. — Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation 
of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, Lord, my 
strength and my redeemer. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty and ever blessed God. as thou hast 
created us and dost preserve our lives from day 
to day; as from thee cometh every blessing we 
enjoy, we recognize thy right to command and 
our duty to obey. We acknoAvledge thee as the 
great Head of the universe, and we accept thy 
commands as by authority. But while we 
praise thee with our lips, our hearts are full of 
uncleanliness. We confess thee but refuse to 
obey thee. We make thy word and thy prom- 
ise vain, and thus are humiliated before thee. 
But thou, God, art compassionate, kind, and 
forgiving, and so we entreat thee to pardon our 
transgressions, and blot out our iniquities from 
the book of thy remembrance. And wilt thou 
so change our natures that we may no longer 
find pleasure in sinful pursuits, but accepting 
thy word as the truth, may w r e be firmly con- 
vinced that if we would find true happiness in 
this world, we must live in strict conformity to 
thy commands. Make us to feel that thy laws 
are just and right, that though they may seem 
hard, they are conceived in infinite love, and 
peace and joy and gladness are the sure re- 
ward for all who believe and obey thee. So, 
Father, may Ave conform our will to thine, 
and live as thou wouldst have us live, lives de- 
voted to thy service, lives of purity and holiness, 
which Ave ask in the Redeemer's name. Amen. 



CONTENTMENT. 45 

SERVICE XIII.— Contentment. 

Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or 
what ye shall drink ; nor yet for your body, what ye shall 
put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body 
than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air : for they sow 
not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns ; yet 
your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much bet- 
ter than they? Which of you by taking thought can add 
one cubic unto his stature? And why take ye thought for 
raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow ; 
they toil not, neither do they spin ; and yet I say unto 
you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed 
like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass 
of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into 
the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of lit- 
tle faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What 
shall we eat? or, What shall we drink, or, Wherewithal 
shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the 
Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that 
ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the 
kingdom of God and his righteousness ; and all these 
things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no 
thought of the morrow : for the morrow shall take thought 
for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil 
thereof. 



In one of Paul's letters we read — "I have 
learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to 
be content." It would be well if we all could 
do this. Nothing is gained by being discour- 
aged with our lot* Fretting will not improve 



4S THE GUIDE. 

our condition; but patient labor, and earnest, 
trustful prayer will. Neither is slothfulness to 
be encouraged. On the contrary we are to be 
diligent at all times and make the best of what 
we have. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Bless the Lord, O my soul; 

School. — And all that is within me, bless his holy name. 

Supt. — Bless the Lord, O my soul, 

School. — And forget not all his benefits ; 

Supt. — Who forgiveth all thine iniquities ; 

School. — Who healeth all thy diseases; 

Supt. — Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; 

School. — Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and 
tender mercies ; 

Supt. — Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things ; 

School. — So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

Supt. — The Lord is merciful and gracious, 

School. — Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 

Supt. — He will not always chide; 

School. — Neither will he keep his anger forever. 

All. — Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his 
dominion ; bless the Lord, O my soul. 

PRAYER. 

Infinite and eternal God, in whom we live 
and move and have our being. We bless thee 
that thou hast surrounded us with every thing- 
necessary for our happiness, that even our trials 
and disappointments and sufferings, if rightly 
used, will result in good. But with all our bles- 
sings we are discontented and inclined to mur- 
mer and complain, not only of what we have. 



THE RESURRECTION. 4 



p* 



but of what w T e have not. Not satisfied with 
what thou hast provided for us and what is pos- t 
sible for us to obtain, we seek for those things 
which are beyond our reach, and which if 
secured would bring not peace 3 but misery. So 
it is that we are not content to submit to thy 
will, but vainly and foolishly live in violation 
of thy commands, as if we knew better than 
thou what is best for us. So it is that clouds 
hang over us, darkening our lives and making 
us restless and dissatisfied with our condition. 
We pray thee, our Father, to lift us from 
the depth of despondency in which our discon- 
tent has plunged us, and satisfy us that thy 
ways, which are as high above our ways as the 
heavens are high above the earth, are best. 
And whatever may be our condition on earth, 
may we learn therewith to be content. Thus 
shall we be sure of happiness, and life be a con- 
tinuous blessing. Thus contented and blessed 
ourselves, so shall others be blessed as they shall 
be influenced by our example. AVe ask all in 
the name of Christ. Amen. 



SERVICE XIV.— The Resurrection, 



But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, 
concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, 
even as others which have no hope. For if we believe 
that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which 
sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say 
unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are 



48 THE GUIDE. 

alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not 
prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself 
shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of 
the archangel, and with the trump of God : and the dead 
in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and 
remain shall be caught up together with them in the 
clouds, to meet the Lord in the air : and so shall we ever 
be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with 
these words. 



Death is no less certain than life, and if in 
this life only we had hope, we should be most 
miserable indeed ; but, thanks to the gospel of 
Christ, we know that when this earthly house of 
ours is dissolved, we have a building of God, an 
hou^e not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. With this assurance, made doubly 
sure by the resurrection of our Saviour, Ave may 
part with our dearest friends, confident that in 
a little while we also shall leave this world and 
join them around the great white throne, where, 
with all who have gone before, we shall unite in 
one ceaseless song of " Blessing and honor and 
glory and power, be unto him that sitteth upon 
the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and 
ever." 

RESPONSES. 
Superintendent. — So also is the resurrection of the 
dead : 

School. — It is sown in corruption, 
Supt. — It is raised in incorruption : 
School. — It is sown in dishonor, 



THE RESURRECTION. 4 ( J 

Supt. — It is raised in glory : 
School. — It is sown in weakness, 
Supt. — It is raised in power : 
School. — It is sown a natural body, 
Supt. — It is raised a spiritual body. 
School. — There is a natural body, 
Supt. — And there is a spiritual body. 
School. — The first man is of the earth, earthy: 
Supt. — The second man is the Lord from heaven. 
School. — As we have born the image of the earthy, 
Supt. — We shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 
School. — O death, where is thy sting? 
Supt. — grave where is thy victory? 
All. — Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

PRAYER. 

God of the living and of the dead, of time 
and eternity, we bless thee not only for the life 
of our Saviour, with its blessed example of for- 
bearance, long suffering, and willing obedience; 
but for his death upon the cross, through which 
has come the resurrection, bringing life and 
immortality to light. We thank thee that 
though once dead he now liveth to make inter- 
cession forms, and that as he now lives so shall 
we live again after our earthly life shall have 
ended. Help us, infinite Father, to live not 
for time alone. May we not be too much taken 
up with the things of the present life. May we 
not lose sight of the great truth that we are 
immortal beings, that a higher destiny awaits 
us beyond the grave ; that this is not our home, 
that we are here but for a time, brief at the 

4 



50 THE GUIDE. 

most, and after a few years, or days it may be, 
we must part with all Ave have here, leave all 
behind us, while our spirits wing their flight to 
celestial heights. May this thought be ever 
present with us. May it inspire us to live 
soberly, godly, and righteous lives in tins pres- 
ent world. And when Ave go hence may it be 
to join the redeemed and sanctified ones on 
high, and dAvell with thee in a Avorld without 
end. Amen. 



SERVICE XV.— Second Coming of Christ. 



Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall 
the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her 
light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the pow- 
ers of the heavens shall be shaken : And then shall 
appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven : and then 
shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see 
the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with 
power and great glory. And he shall send his angels 
with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather 
together his elect from the four winds, from one end of 
heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig 
tree ; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth 
leaves, ye know that summer is nigh : So likewise ye, 
when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, 
even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This genera- 
tion shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 
Watch therefore ; for ye know neither the day nor the 
hour wherein the Son of man cometh. In my Father's 
house are manv mansions : if it were not so I would have 



THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. 51 

told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go 
and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and 
receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may 
be also. Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the com- 
ing of the Lord. Stablish your hearts : for the coming 
of the Lord draweth nigh. 



Frequent mention is made in the Scriptures of 
Christ's coming a second time, and many Chris- 
tians regard it as an event yet to take place ; 
but our Saviour referred to it as then near at 
hand, and which some then living should see. 
From all we know of the matter his second com- 
ing was not in person, but in spirit and power, 
to establish his kingdom on earth ; and it 
occurred about the time of the destruction of 
Jerusalem, forty years or so after his death. 
His reign will continue until all hearts are made 
subject to his will ; when he will deliver up the 
kingdom to God, the Father, that He may be 
All in All. 

KESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — O sing unto the Lord a new song : 

School. — Sing unto the Lord, all the earth. 

Supt. — Sing unto the Lord, bless his name ; 

School. — Show forth his salvation from day to day. 

Supt. — Declare his glory among the heathen, 

School. — His wonders among all people. 

Supt. — For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised : 

School. — He is to be feared above all gods, 

Supt. — Honor and majesty are before him : 

School. — Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 



52 THE GUIDE. 

Supt. — Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his 
name. 

School. — Bring an offering, and come unto his courts. 

Supt. — O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : 

School. — Fear before him, all the earth. 

Supt. — Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be 
glad. 

School. — Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. 

AIL — For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth : 
he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peo- 
ple with his truth. 

PRAYER. 

thou who art the one true and ever living 
God, the heavens declare thy glory and the Ar- 
mament showeth thy handiwork. Day unto 
day uttereth speech and night unto night show- 
eth knowledge of thee. We, the creatures of 
thy creation, the objects of thy fatherly care and 
protection, would render to thee our thanks- 
giving and praise for the wonderful work thou 
hast done for us. We thank thee for the reve- 
lation of thy Word, for what has come to us by 
and through it, and for what is therein prom- 
ised. We thank thee for the pure life of Jesus 
Christ which has been given to us ; and though 
he was betrayed and cruelly murdered on the 
cross, we thank thee, loving Father, that he 
still lives, and has again come into the world, 
not in bodily form, but in spirit and with great 
power and might. And we thank thee, blessed 
Lord, for the assurance that he will not rest 
from his labors until he shall have put down all 
rule and all authority and power. Grant, O 



ALL SAVED. 53 

Father, that this work may be hastened, and the 
time soon come when all shall know him from 
the least unto the greatest, when every knee 
shall bow and every tongue confess him to the 
glory of God the Father. We ask it for Christ's 
sake. Amen. 



SERVICE XVI.— All Saved. 



I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of 
this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits, 
that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the ful- 
ness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall 
be saved : as it is written, There shall come out of Sion 
the deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from 
Jacob. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man 
dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the 
Lord ; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord : 
whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, 
that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given 
him a name which is above every name : That at the 
name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in 
heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth ; 
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ 
is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. For therefore 
we botli labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in 
the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially 
of those that believe. 



54 THE GUIDE. 

That Jesus is not the Saviour of a few only, 
but of all, is plainly taught in our Scripture 
lesson, as it is throughout God's holy Word. 
When every knee in heaven, in earth, and 
under the earth shall bow, and every tongue 
shall confess that Christ is Lord, and all to the 
glory of God, who can be left to disown him, 
or refuse to do him homage? How true it is 
that whether we live or die, we are the Lord's ; 
and how true it is that he will claim his own. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Be merciful unto me, O God, be 
merciful unto me : 

School. — For my soul trusteth in thee. 

Supt. — Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make 
my refuge. 

School. — I will cry unto God most high ; 

Sapt. — Unto God that performeth all things for me. 

School. — God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. 

Supt. — Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens ; 

School. — Let thy glory he above all the earth. 

Supt. — I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people. 

School. — I will sing unto thee among the nations. 

Supt. — For thy mercy is great unto the heavens. 

School. — And thy truth unto the clouds. 

All. — Be thou exalted, God, above the heavens ; let 
thy glory be above all the earth. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty and most merciful God. We thank 
thee for the assurance that thou dost so care 
for us that even the hairs of our head are num- 
bered ; that though thou hast placed us in this 



PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY. DO 

world, exposed to its dangers and subject to its 
trials, thou dost not forsake nor forget us ; but 
art watching over us every moment of our exist- 
ence. We thank thee, blessed Father, for the 
plan of salvation revealed to us in the gospel 
of thy Son, that it is universal and effectual ; 
that though men may, by their willfulness and 
ignorance retard its progress and weaken its 
power for awhile, yet thou art omnipotent both 
to will and do. And so at last all souls will be 
conquered and brought to confess thee as their 
God and Christ as their Saviour. May the 
knowledge of this great truth cover the earth, 
even as the waters cover the sea. May thy chil- 
dren, everywhere, hear the call of the Master, 
and come unto him that they may find rest. 
Help them to forsake their sins. Eemove their 
doubts, dispel their fears, and enable them to 
come boldly unto the throne of grace, that 
they may obtain mercy and find help in time of 
need. And finally save all in the kingdom of 
our Lord and Master. Amen. 



SERVICE XVIL— Practical Christianity 



Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which 
is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affec- 
tioned one to another with brotherly love ; in honor pre- 
ferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent 
in spirit; serving the Lord : rejoicing in hope; patient in 
tribulation; continuing instant in prayer ; distributing to 
the necessity of saints ; given to hospitality. Bless them 



56 THE GUIDE. 

which persecute you : bless, and curse not. Rejoice 
with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high 
things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not 
wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil 
for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If 
it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably 
with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, 
but rather give place unto wrath : for it is written, Ven- 
geance is mine ; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore 
if thine enemy hunger, feed him ; if he thirst, give him 
drink : for in so doing thou shaltheap coals of fire on his 
head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with 
good. 



Our Scripture reading contains many good 
instructions. To live as nearly up to their 
requirements as is possible, should be our aim. 
To do good for evil is often hard, but the rec- 
ompense is great and worthy of the effort. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent, — Lord, thou hast searched me and 
known me. 

School. — Thou knowest my down sitting and mine 
uprising. 

Supt. — Thou understandest my thought afar off. 

School. — Thou compassest my path and my lying down, 

Supt. — And art acquainted witli all my ways. 

School. — For there is not a word in my tongue, 

Supt. — But lo, Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 

School. — Thou hast beset me behind and before, and 
laid thine hand upon me. 



PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY. 57 



Supt. — Sucli knowledge is too wonderful for me; 

School. — It is high I cannot attain unto it. 

Supt. — Whither shall I go from thy spirit? 

School. — Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? 

Supt. — If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there : 

School. — If I make my bed in hell, behold thou art 
there. 

Supt. — If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in 
the uttermost parts of the sea ; 

School. — Even there shall thy hand lead me and thy 
right hand shall hold me. 

Supt. — If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me ; 

School. — Even the night shall be light about me. 

Supt. — Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee ; 

School. — But the night shineth as the day : 

AIL — The darkness and the light are both alike to 
thee. 

PRAYER. 

Thou who seeth, heareth, knoweth, and 
doeth all things ; we lift up our hearts and 
voices to thee in gratitude and praise. For all 
we have and all we are, we are indebted to thee. 
Thy mercies are new every morning and fresh 
every evening. We give thee praise for the 
privileges we enjoy from day to day. We thank 
thee for this holy Sabbath day and all it brings 
to us. We thank thee that we are permitted to 
come together in this place of worship. May 
Ave appreciate this privilege, and as we come 
here each Sabbath, may it be with an earnest 
desire to learn of thee, what thou art to us and 
we to thee, and wliat thou wouldst have us to do. 
Here may we learn to love thee as oni Father, 



58 THE GUIDE. 

that, loving, we may be true to thee, even as 
than art ever true to us. Here, blessed Father, 
may Ave learn of him whom thou didst send into 
the world to be our Saviour ; and as we learn 
how he suffered and died that we might live, 
may there spring up in our hearts a love for 
him so pure and deep, that it may never grow 
cold, but 'strengthen with our increasing years. 
So, loving, may we believe in him ; and believ- 
ing, serve him with ail our heart, might, mind, 
and strength. Thus shall Ave be made partak- 
ers of his salvation, and our hearts be filled 
with joy unspeakable and full of praise, forever 
and ever. Amen. 



SERVICE XVIII.— Faith. 



Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evi- 
dence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained 
a good report. Through faith we understand that the 
worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things 
which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacri- 
fice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was 
righteous, God testifying of his gifts : and by it he being 
dead yet speaketh. Wherefore, seeing we also are com- 
passed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us 
lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily 
beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set 
before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of 
our faith ; who for the joy that was set before him endured 
the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the 
right hand of the throne of God. 



FAITH. 59 

Christian faith is greatly needed in this world. 
Men are not always to be trusted. Our best 
friends often turn against ns ; but God will 
never forsake ns, and his promises, which are 
many, are sure. And yet men often show more 
confidence in each other than in God. This 
ought not so to be. Our religion teaches ns to 
have faith in God. Let ns trust him without a 
shadow of doubt. Trust in his love, his mercy, 
his justice. Lord increase our faith. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Abraham believed God, 

School. — And it was accounted to him for righteousness. 

Supt. — Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, 

School. — The same are the children of Abraham. 

Supt. — No man is justified by the law in the sight of 
God. 

School. — For the just shall live by faith. 

Supt. — The Scripture hath concluded all under sin, 

School. — That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ 
might be given to them that believe. 

Supt. — But before faith came, we were kept under the 
law. 

School. — Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to 
bring us unto Christ. 

Supt. — But after that faith is come, we are no longer 
under a schoolmaster. 

All. — For ye are all the children of God by faith in 
Christ Jesus. 

PRAYER. 

Thou who dwelleth in heights inaccessible 
to mortals, but dost permit the lowly in heart 



60 THE GUIDE. 

to come in spirit into thy presence and com- 
mune with thee, help us to that deep contrition 
of soul which shall fit us to come before thee. 
We would come because we are so weak and 
sinful. We would come to thee, for thou art 
infinite in strength and holiness. Strengthen 
our weakness, we pray thee, and make us pure, 
even as thou art pure. Increase our faith in 
thee as the great head of the universe, as our 
unfailing friend, and kind and loving father. 
If sorrow befall us ; if we meet with losses ; if 
our dearest wishes are foiled ; if friends desert 
us and our pathway is dark and gloomy, may 
we not lose confidence in thee. But may we 
realize that though all the world leave us, thou 
wilt never forsake us ; that though all our 
earthly possessions are taken from us, we have 
in thee that which is more valuable than all 
else, and which the world can neither give nor 
take away. So may our faith in thee never 
waver nor grow cold ; and when we are called 
upon to bid adieu to earth, may we be cheered 
by the hope of heaven, through Jesus Christ. 
Amen. 



SERVICE XIX.— Hope. 



The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that 
we are the children of God : And if children, then heirs ; 
heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we 
suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are 
not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be 



HOPE. 61 

revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creat- 
ure waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, 
but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in 
hope ; Because the creature itself also shall be delivered 
from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty 
of the children of God. For we know that the whole 
creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until 
now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have 
the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan 
within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit. the 
redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope : 
but hope that is seen is not hope : for what a man seeth, 
why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we 
see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 



Christian hope is something more than sim- 
ple desire. It is earnest expectation. What 
we hope for we expect to receive. Hope is a 
blessed inspiration. Without it life would lose 
most of its pleasure. It buoys us up in time of 
trouble, and enables us to bear our trials with 
patience and resignation. Let us cherish the 
hope we have in God, as our Father ; in Christ, 
as our Saviour; and in heaven as our tinal home. 

RESPONSES. 
Superintendent. — Happy is he that hath the God of 
Jacob for his help, 

School. — Whose hope is in the Lord his God. 
Supt. — The righteous have hope in his death : 
School. — The hope of unjust men perisheth. 
Supt. — We glory in tribulation, 



62 THE GUIDE. 

School. — Knowing that tribulation worketh patience ; 

Supt. — And patience, experience : 

School. — And experience, hope. 

Supt. — And hope maketh not ashamed, 

School. — Because the love of God is shed abroad in 
our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 

All. — Which hope we have as an anchor to the soul, 
both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that 
within the vail. 

PRAYER. 

O, how great is thy love, merciful Father, 
that thou dost condescend to notice us, thv 
weak and erring children. What is man that 
thou art mindful of him? or the Son of man 
that thou A T isitest him? Though made but a 
little lower than the angels, we have fallen from 
our high estate. Though crowned with thy 
glory we have basely disowned thee. Instead 
of hearkening unto thy counsels, we have fol- 
lowed the devices of our own sinful hearts. 
And now from the depths of our degradation, 
we cry unto thee for mercy and forgiveness. 
Help us to feel how great is thy claim on us, 
that thou hast the rig-lit to command, that it is 
our duty, and should be our pleasure to obey 
thee. Take possession of our hearts, heavenly 
Father. Keep them under thy control. May 
we do, speak, and think nothing wrong. May 
our hope be in thee. Be thou our strong con- 
solation, our great deliverer. Lift us above the 
low and groveling influences of this world ; and 
make our lives pure in thy sight, and in the 
sight of the world. And in the hope of a bet- 



CHARITY. 63 

ter life beyond the grave, may we welcome the 
summons of the death angel as a happy release 
from the burdens and toils of this life. Hear 
us, Father, and answer us, and thine shall be 
the praise. Amen. 



SERVICE XX.— Charity. 



Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, 
and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or 
a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of proph- 
ecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge ; 
and though I have all faith, so that I could remove 
mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And 
though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and 
though I give my body to be burned, and have not 
charity, it profiteth me nothing. Follow after char- 
ity and desire spiritual gifts. And besides this, 
giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue ; and to vir- 
tue, knowledge ; and to knowledge, temperance ; and to 
temperance, patience ; and to patience, godliness ; and to 
godliness, brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness, 
charity. For ifthe.se things be in you, and abound, they 
make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful 
in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 



Our Scripture lesson treats of charity, or 
love, as the new version more correctly gives it. 
Love is the stronger term. Charity, as gener- 
ally understood, is the outgrowth of love, and a 
manifestation of its power. It teaches kindness 
and forbearance. If one of our fellow-men 



64 THE GUIDE. 

does wrong but is disposed to do better, charity 
prompts us to help him. We are all weak and 
liable to err. If we should fall, as many do, 
the charity we should then hope to receive, we 
should at all times show to others. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Charity suffereth long and is kind : 

School. — Charity envieth not. 

Supt. — Charity vaunteth not itself, 

School. — Is not puffed up, 

Supt. — Doth not behave itself unseemly, 

School. — Seeketh not her own, 

Supt. — Is not easily provoked, 

School. — Thinketh no evil ; 

Supt. — Rejoiceth not in iniquity, 

School. — But rejoiceth in the truth; 

Supt. — Beareth all things, 

School. — Believeth all things, 

Supt. — Hopeth all things, 

School. — Endureth all things. 

Supt. — Charity never faileth : 

School. — But whether there be prophecies, they shall 
fail; 

Supt. — Whether there be tongues, they shall cease ; 

School. — Whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish 
away. 

All. — And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three ; 
but the greatest of these is charity. 

PRAYER. 

Father of all mercies, God of love, as we see 
on every hand the manifestations of thy love 
for us, we w r ould so live and act that we may 



THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 65 

he worthy of all. Thou makest the outgoings 
of the morning and evening to rejoice, and 
all nature testifieth to thy fostering care. May 
we, thy children, the greatest work of thy crea- 
tion, also rejoice in thy presence, and give thee 
the praise due thy holy Name. May we praise 
thee not only with our lips, but with our hearts 
and lives. May we be filled with thanksgiving, 
and honor thee continually.' Bless us, thy chil- 
dren, here assembled. May none feel so small 
that he can do nothing for thee ; but show to 
each what thou hast for him to do. And may 
Ave all do whatever our hands find to do. 
Expand our hearts, Lord, and increase our 
knowledge of thee. Build us up in the most 
holy faich, and may righteousness dwell within 
us. Deliver us from evil, for thine is the king- 
dom, and the power, and the glory, forever.. 
Amen, 



SERVICE XXL— The Good Shepherd. 



I am the good shepherd : the good shepherd giveth his 
life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the 
shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf 
coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth ; and the wolf 
catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling 
fleeth, because he is a hireling and careth not for the 
sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, 
and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, 
even so know I the Father : and I lay down my life for 
the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of 
this fold : them also I must bring, and they shall hear my 

5 



6*j THE GUIDE. 

voice : and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 
Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down 
my life, that I might take it again. Xo man taketh it 
from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to 
lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This 
commandment have I received of my Father. 



We have Christ's own word that lie is the 
Good Shepherd. All men are his sheep, but 
many have strayed from his fold. His mission 
is to bring them back ; and he has told us that 
if only one is missing, he will leave the rest and 
seek for that one until he finds him and returns 
him to the fold. Let us be thankful that we 
have one whose love for us is so great that lie 
has given his life for us ; and if we have gone 
astray let us return and enter the fold, that we 
may be at rest. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — The Lord is my shepherd : 

School. — I shall not want. 

Supt. — He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; 

School. — He leadeth me beside the still waters. 

Supt. — He restoreth my soul : 

School. — He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness 
for his name's sake. 

Supt. — Yea, though I walk through the valley of the 
shadow of death, I will fear no evil : 

School. — For thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff 
they comfort me. 

Supt. — Thou preparest a table before me in the pres- 
ence of mine enemies : 



PRAYER. 67 

School. — Thou annointest my head with oil ; my cup 
runneth over. 

All. — Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all 
the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the 
Lord forever. 

PRAYER. 

Our Father in heaven, we thank thee for the 
love thou first exercised toward us, which 
gave us being and found its highest manifesta- 
tion in the gift of thy Son, the Good Shepherd. 
As lost sheep, having strayed from thy fold, 
blessed Saviour, Ave rejoice that thou so carest 
for us thou wilt not be content that a single 
one of thy flock shall be forever lost. Make us 
to feel that away from thee there is no safety, 
that paths which lead in other directions are full 
of danger, that however attractive they may 
appear, they end in death. Enable us to resist 
every allurement of evil, and may Ave keep close 
to thee, the author and finisher of our faith, 
who for the joy set before him endured the 
cross, despising the shame, and is now set down 
at the right hand of the throne of God. Help 
us to follow in thy footsteps, to live in imita- 
tion of thy life on earth ; and like thee go about- 
doing good. Glory and honor, praise and 
thanksgiving be unto thy holy name, evermore. 
Amen. 



SERVICE XXII.— Prayer. 



I exhort therefore, that, first of all. supplications, 
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made fur 



68 THE GUIDE. 

all men ; for kings, and for all that are in authority ; 
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godli- 
ness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the 
sight of God our Saviour ; Who will have all men to be 
saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. I 
will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy 
hands, without wrath and doubting. Pray without ceas- 
ing. In everything give thanks ; for jbhis is the will of 
God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Therefore I say 
unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, 
believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 



Prayer is praise, thanksgiving, supplication. 
It is communion with God. It is a privilege 
accorded to us, for which we should be most 
thankful. Prayer is for our benefit ; but with- 
out faith it is of no effect. With faith will 
come the answer we need. If not in just the 
way we want, it will be in the way that will be 
best for us. So it is that the spirit of prayer 
should ever be in our hearts. So it is that men 
ought always to pray. 

KESPOXSES. 

Superintendent. — As for me, I will call upon God : 

School.— And the Lord shall save me. 

Supt. — Evening and morning, and at noon will I pray, 
and cry aloud : 

School. — And he shall hear my voice. 

Supt. — Give ear to my words, Lord, consider my 
meditation. 

School. — Hearken unto the voice of my cry my King 
and my God; for unto thee will I pray. 



PRAYER. C9 

Supt. — O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee sliall all 
flesh come. 

School. — Ask, and it shall be given you; 

Supt. — Seek, and ye sliall find : 

School. — Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 

Supt. — For whosoever shall call upon the name of the 
Lord shall be saved. 

All. — Lord, teach us to pray. 

PRAYER. 

As thy dear children, gracious Father, the 
objects of thy parental care and affection, we 
come into thy presence and would draw near 
to thee in prayer before entering upon the spe- 
cial work which has called us together. We 
thank thee that thou art not so far away thou 
canst not hear us, but that thou art a God 
hearing and a God answering prayer. Give to 
us all, Ave pray thee, that true humility which 
makes prayer effective. Make us to feel our 
dependence on thee, that without thee we can 
do nothing: that if thou shouldst stay thy hand 
all other help would be of no avail, and our 
lives would instantly end. Help us to under- 
stand the nature and effect of prayer. Teach 
us how to pray, that our prayers may be help- 
ful to us. May we love to pray, and when we 
pray may it be with the heart and with under- 
standing. And enable us, Almighty God, to 
pray with that faith which knows no doubt, 
which comes from trusting, believing hearts ; 
that through our prayers we may receive the 
strength we need to meet all our trials, bear all 
our disappointments, and suffer all our losses. 



70 THE GUIDE. 

So helped by our prayers may we not grow faint 
hearted, but take courage and press on in our 
life struggles, seeking new achievements and 
winning i\ew victories. Hear our petition, 
heavenly Father ; answer our supplications, and 
ultimately save us in thy heavenly kingdom, 
through Christ our Lord. Amen. 



SERVICE XXIIL— The Exd of the World. 



Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the 
house : and his disciples came unto him, saying. Declare 
unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered 
and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the 
Son of man ; the field is the world ; the good seed are 
the children of the kingdom ; but the tares are the chil- 
dren of the wicked one. The enemy that sowed them is 
the devil ; the harvest is the end of the world ; and the 
reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gath- 
ered and burned in the fire ; so shall it be at the end 01 
this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, 
and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that 
offend, and them which do iniquity ; and shall cast them 
into a furnace of fire : there shall be wailing and gnash- 
ing of teeth. Now all these things happened unto them 
for ensamples : and they are written for our admonition, 
upon whom the ends of the world are come. For then 
must he often have suffered since the foundation of the 
world : but now once in the end of the world hath he 
appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 



THE EXD OF THE WORLD. 71 

Certain notable events are here referred to 
which were to take place at the "End of the 
World." This does not mean the world we live 
in. Where the material world js mentioned in 
the Scriptures, the word kosmos is used ; but 
where the phrase end of the world occurs, this 
word is never used, but another which means 
time, life, age, etc. This phrase, therefore, 
means, simply, conclusion of the age, viz : that 
age ; and all the events recorded in this con- 
nection occurred long ages ago. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, 
from whence cometh my help. 

School. — My help cometh from the Lord, which made 
heaven and earth. 

Supt. — He will not suffer thy foot to he moved; 

School. — He that keepeth thee will not slumber. 

Supt. — The Lord is thy keeper : 

School. — The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. 

Supt. — The sun shall not smite thee by day, 

School. — Nor the moon by night. 

Supt. — The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: 

School. — He shall preserve thy soul. 

All. — The Lord shall preserve thy- going out and thy 
coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. 

PRAYER. 

God of the morning and evening, our kind 
Friend and loving Father : We thank thee 
that thou hast not only provided for our w T ants 
here, but hast in store for us blessings such as 
this world knows not of, and which can only be 



72 THE GUIDE. 

enjoyed by the spirits of the just made perfect. 
And yet thou bast made it possible for us, by 
right living, to have here a foretaste of the joys 
of the heavenly kingdom. Help us,0 our Father, 
to such a life. We are weak ; thou art strong. 
We are sinful ; thou art holy. Impart to us, 
we pray thee, a measure of thy strength. Give 
us a portion of thy infinite purity. help us 
as thou seest we need thy help. Turn not away 
from us. We know that Ave have failed in our 
duty ; that we have shunned thee and disowned 
thee. But still we would come to thee, and 
wouki humbly supplicate thy mercy and seek 
thy favor. Graciously receive our petitions, we 
beseech thee, and make us mindful of our obli- 
gations to thee. Bless us in all our relations to 
life. Bless all who are near and dear to us. 
Watch over all our interests. Guard us from 
all dangers. Fit us for life and all its vicissi- 
tudes, and prepare us for death, through Jesus 
Christ, our Lord. Amen. 



SERVICE XXIV.-TiiE Kingdom of Heaven 



Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into 
Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 
and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God 
is at hand : repent ye, and believe the gospel. And he 
spake to them a parable ; Behold the fig tree, and all the 
trees ; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of 
your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So 
likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know 



THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEX. ?3 

ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at band. Verily J 
say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all 
be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away ; but my 
words shall not pass away. And when he was demanded 
of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, 
he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh 
not with observation : neither shall they say, Lo here ! 
or, lo there ! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within 
you. 



•'•Kingdom of God' 7 and "kingdom of 
heaven " are the same. It is a kingdom not far 
away in the future world, but now present ; for 
John the Baptist spoke of it as then near at 
hand, and our Saviour said the generation then 
living should not pass away before it would be 
manifest. It is Christ's kingdom which he has 
established in the earth, where, by the power of 
his truth, life, and example, he is to bring all 
hearts into subjection to his will. It is a spir- 
itual kingdom, into which all may enter, and 
where peace and love ever reign. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in 
his sanctuary. 

School. — Praise him in the firmament of his power. 

Supt. — Praise him for his mighty acts ; 

School. — Praise him according to his excellent great- 
ness. 

Supt. — Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: 

School. — Praise him with the psaltery and harp. 

Supt. — Praise him with the timbrel and dance : 



74 THE GUIDE, 

School. — Praise him with stringed instruments and 
organs. 

Supt. — Praise him upon the loud cymbals : 

School. — Praise him upon the high sounding ey m Dais. 

All. — Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. 
Praise ye the Lord. 

PRAYER. 

Infinite Source of wisdom, power, and love. 
Again are we permitted to meet in this place 
which has been dedicated to the worship of the 
one true and living God. Thou hast watched 
over us since last we were here. We have been 
guarded from danger seen and unseen, and our 
lives and health have been spared. For these 
aiii all the blessing w T e enjoy, we devoutly 
thank thee, the great Giver thereof. And we 
look to thee for a continuation of life's privi- 
leges and blessings. Enable us, Father in 
heaven, to appreciate all thou art doing for us. 
Make us grateful for thy love, which is mani- 
fested in so many ways. Make us faithful to 
every duty thou hast imposed upon us, and, 
accepting thy Word which we learn of here as 
our rule and guide, may we do justly, love 
mercy, and walk humbly before thee. So shall 
we find favor in thy sight. So shall we be 
blessed of thee, and our lives made happy with 
the assurance from thee, that when our work on 
earth is finished, we shall receive the welcome 
plaudit of — Well done thou good and faithful 
servants, enter thou into (lie joy of thy Lord. 
We ask all in the name of Christ, our Master. 
Amen. 



LOVE ONE AXOTHER. 75 



SERVICE XXV.— Love Oxe Axothek. 



Beloved, let us love one another : for love is of God ; 
and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth 
God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God ; for God is 
love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us r 
because that God sent his only begotten Son into the 
world, that we might live through him. Herein is love,, 
not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his 
Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God 
so loved us, we ought also to love one another. If a man 
say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar : for 
he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how 
can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this com- 
mandment have we from him, That he who loveth God 
love his brother also. Behold, how good and how pleas- 
ant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! It is 
like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down 
upon the beard, even Aaron's beard : that went down to 
the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and 
as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion : 
for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for 
evermore. 



As God is the Father of all, all are his chil- 
dren, and thus brethren of one family. So it 
is that men should love one another. When 
this truth is everywhere accepted, then will 
swords be beaten into ploughshares and spears 
into pruning hooks ; then shall nation not lift 
up sword against nation, neither shall they 
learn war any more. Then, indeed, will jeful- 



76 THE GUIDE, 

tilled that grand prophecy of old, of ''Peace on 
earth, and good will toward men." 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — God, thou art my God: 

School. — Early will I seek thee. 

Supt. — My soul thirsteth for thee : 

School. — My flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty 
land, where no water is; 

Supt. — To see thy power and thy glory, 

School. — So as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 

Supt. — Because thy loving kindness is better than life. 

School. — My lips shall praise thee. 

Supt. — Thus will I bless thee while I live : 

School. — I will lift up my hands in thy name, 

All. — Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the 
shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. 

PRAYER. 

Father of mercies, God of boundless love. It 
is of thy great goodness that we are permitted 
once more to come together to unite our hearts 
and voices in praise to thee, from whom cometh 
every good and perfect gift, and who art the 
Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, 
neither the shadow of turning. As we engage 
in the study of thy Word, which is able to make 
us wise unto salvation, may it be with a desire 
to know more of thee, of thy character, and of 
thy purpose in our creation and government : 
and of our duty and destiny. Aid us, we 
implore thee, by power from on high. Guide 
our minds aright. Make our duty so plain we 
cannot mistake its import. Enable us to see 



PUKE RELIGION. 77 

clearly what thou wouldst have ns do, and 
so strengthen and support us that we may do 
thy will fearlessly, with an eye single to thy 
glory. Teach us, heavenly Father, not only 
our duty to thee, but to one another. Help us 
to regard all men as our brethren. Make us to 
be kindly aflectioned one to another, with 
brotherly love : in honor preferring one another. 
May Ave keep ever before us the blessed exam- 
ple of Jesus Christ. May we show by our 
lives that Ave haA*e been apt scholars, and are 
his disciples. Hear rs 3 Father, and ansAver 
us, not according to the multitude of our peti- 
tions, but through thine infinite mercies, and 
save us and all mankind with an everlasting 
salvation, which Ave ask in the name of Christ, 
our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 



SERVICE XXVI.— Pure Religion 



AA 7 herefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be 
swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath : for the 
wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of 
naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted 
word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers 
of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own 
selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a 
doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in 
a glass : for he beboldeth himself, and goeth his way, 
and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 
But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and 



78 THE GUIDE. 

continueth therein, lie being not a forgetful hearer, but a 
doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. 
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth 
not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's 
religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God 
and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows 
in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the 
world. 



Many people profess religion but fail in prac- 
tice. Profession alone, in the sight of God 
goes but little way. It is by our "fruits 4 ' we 
are known and judged. It is not what we say, 
but what Ave do that counts. We must not only 
be good but do good ; not hearers of the word 
only, but doers also. We must let our light so 
shine before men that they may see our good 
ivorks. Thus sl.iall w r e glorify our Father in 
heaven. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Blessed are the poor in spirit : 
School. — For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
Supt. — Blessed are they that mourn : 
School. — For they shall be comforted. 
Supt. — Blessed are the meek : 
School. — For they shall inherit the earth. 
Supt. — Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst 
after righteousness : 

School. — For they shall be filled. 
Supt. — Blessed are the merciful : 
School. — For they shall obtain mercy. 
Supt. — Blessed are the pure in heart : 



PURE RELIGION. .79 

School. — For they shall see God. 

Supt. — Blessed are the peacemakers : 

School. — For they shall be called the children of God. 

Supt. — Blessed are they which are persecuted for 
righteousness sake : 

School. — For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

All. — Let your light so shine before men, that they 
may see your good works, and glorify your Father which 
is m heaven. 

PRAYER. 

To thee, thou great Source of light and love, 
we come with our thank offerings. Our bless- 
ings are so great we cannot number them. And 
if our whole lives were spent in praising thee, 
even then we could not sufficiently thank thee 
for thy goodness, and thy watchful care which 
has been over us every moment of our existence. 
We thank thee for life and health, for friends 
and friendship, for love and all their manifesta- 
tions. And we devoutly thank thee, blessed 
Lord, for all thou hast done for us ; for all thou 
doest is for the best. Iu finite love and power 
can do no more. 0, how little do we appreci- 
ate our privileges here ! how little do we realize 
our great indebtedness to thee ! and how 
ungrateful are we to thee, from whom cometh 
our strength and our joys ! 0, may the sin of 
ingratitude no longer be charged against us. 
May we be so filled with thankfulness that we 
shall praise thee continually. May the spirit 
fo the Master dwell within us. May we accept 
him as our guide and counsellor." May the 
seed which is sown here from Sabbath to Sab- 



80 THE GUIDE. 

bath take root in our hearts, and bring forth 
fruit plentifully. May the religion of Christ 
be exemplified in our daily walk and conversa- 
tion. Enable us in imitation of our great 
exempler to subdue our evil passions, and grow- 
in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ. Make us faithful to 
every duty, and finally receive us to thyself, 
through Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. 



SPECIAL SERVICES. 



SPECIAL SEKVICE.— No. 1 



The New Year. 

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all genera- 
tions. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever 
thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from 
everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. For a thou- 
sand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is 
past, and as a watch in the night. Thou earnest them 
away as with a flood ; they are as a sleep : in the morning 
they are like grass which groweth up. In the morning 
it flourisheth and groweth up; in the evening it is cut 
down and withereth. So teach us to number our days, 
that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. O satisfy us 
early with thy mercy ; that we may rejoice and be glad 
all our days. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, 
and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of 
the Lord our God be upon us : and establish thou the 
work of our hands upon us ; yea, the work of our hands 
establish thou it. 

RESPONSES. 
Superintendent. — My days are like a shadow that 
declineth ; 

School. — And I am withered like grass. 

Supt. — But thou, Lord, shalt endure forever; 

School. — And thy remembrance unto all generations. 



82 THE GUIDE. 

Supt. — O my God, take me not away in the midst of 
my days : 

School. — Thy years are throughout all generations. 

Supt. — Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the 
earth : 

School. — And the heavens are the work of thy hands. 

Supt. — They shall perish, 

School. — But thou shalt endure : 

Suj>t. — Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment : 

School. — As a vesture shalt thou change them, and 
they shall be changed : 

All. — But thou art the same, and thy years shall have 
no end. 

PRAYER. 

Inlinito Creator and Supreme Ruler of the 
universe. On the threshold of this new year, 
with the record of the past behind and the 
unknown future before us, we would reverently 
and humbly approach thy presence. As we 
recall the events of the past year, we are deeply 
impressed with the thought that a watchful 
Providence has been constantly over us, that 
an unseen hand has supported, and an unseen 
power protected us. We are also weighed 
down by the consciousness that amid all these 
evidences of thy loving kindness, we have failed 
to appreciate and profit by the blessings thou 
hast so freely bestowed upon us. We realize 
that the year just closed has been full of mis- 
takes, that we' have often not only neglected 
and refused to do the things we ought to have 
done, but very many times have done what was 
forbidden. So it is that a feeling of sadness 



THE XEAV YEAR. 83 

and sorrow comes to us, as we recall the favors 
thou hast shown us and the sins which are so 
justly charged to us. But, heavenly Father, 
we would not sorrow as those without hope. 
We would not be discouraged nor disheart- 
ened by dwelling too much on that we have 
done rhat is wrong, or failed to do that is 
right, but with devout gratitude for all we 
enjoy in this life, and using the past as a lesson, 
we would profit by its teachings, and here and 
now would resolve that in the future Ave will 
make amends for our misdeeds by living better 
lives. Help us, Father, to keep our new 
resolves. Help us to be obedient unto thee. 
Enable us by thy grace and strength to walk 
uprightly before thee. May thy law be to us a 
delight; and wilt thou so instruct and direct 
us that we may walk worthy of the vocation 
wherewith we are called, with all lowliness and 
meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one 
another in love. • Turn us, Ave entreat thee, 
from every evil pursuit, and surround us by 
such restraining influences that Ave shall never 
more go astray. To this end wilt thou incline 
our hearts to holy living. Make us kind and 
affectionate one to another. May the spirit of 
the Master fill our hearts and pervade oui lives. 
And when this year shall have ended, if it shall 
please thee to spare our lives till then, may our 
record be without spot or blemish, and thus 
worthy of thy approval. Make ns ever grateful 
to thee, and let thy blessings rest upon us and 
all Avho are dear to us. Guard and defend all 



84 THE GUIDE. 

from every peril, and save us and all mankind 
through our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen 



SPECIAL SERVICE.— No. 2. 



Easter Sunday. 

In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward 
the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the 
other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there 
was a great earthquake : for the angel of the Lord 
descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the 
stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance 
was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow : and 
for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as 
dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the 
women, Fear not ye : for I know that ye seek Jesus 
which was crucified. He is not here : for he is risen, as 
he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And 
go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from 
the dead ; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee ; 
there shall ye see him : lo, I have told you. And they 
departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great 
joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as 
they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, 
saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the 
feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, 
Be not afraid : go tell my brethren that they go into 
Galilee, and there shall they see me. 

RESPONSES. 
Superintendent. — Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, 
saith your God. 



EASTER SUNDAY. 85 

School. — Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem and cry 
unto her, 

Supt. — That her warfare is accomplished, 

School. — That her iniquity is pardoned. 

Supt. — Every valley shall be exalted, and every moun- 
tain and hill shall be made low : 

School. — And the crooked shall be made straight, and 
the rough places plain : 

Supt. — And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, 
and all flesh shall see it together : 

School. — For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. 

Supt. — Behold I show you a mystery ; we shall not all 
sleep, but we shall all be changed, 

School. — In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, 
at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and 
the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be 
changed. 

Supt. — For this corruptible must put on incorruption, 
and this mortal must put on immortality. 

School. — So when this corruptible shall have put on 
incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immor- 
tality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is 
written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 

Supt. — O Death where is thy sting? grave, where 
is thy victory? 

All. — Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

PRAYER. 

Ever blessed God, our Father, who through 
thy Son, our dear Saviour, hast overcome death 
and brought life and immortality to light, we 



86 THE GUIDE. 

bless and praise thee for all thy mercies. We 
thank thee for the good of this present state. 
We would not be insensible to the manifold 
privileges of mortal existence, and in all our 
experiences we would acknowledge thy loving 
hand laid upon us. We rejoice that thou dost 
encourage us with the assurances of immortal 
life. On this glad day we desire to be filled 
with the spirit of thanksgiving as we think of 
Jesus and his resurrection. We look to the 
empty tomb ; we think of the triumphant and 
risen Saviour, and the light of heaven streams 
in through the darkness of the grave ; thus our 
sorrows are alleviated and our fears are dis- 
pelled. We beseech thee, Father, to increase 
our faith in things spiritual. May we be 
cheered by the thought of immortal life and 
blessedness. Whatever our burdens or our sor- 
rows, may Ave reflect that we are thine forever ; 
that a sweeter and nobler life awaits us beyond 
the grave ; and in this belief may we find 
strength and peace. And grant that we may 
so use these earthly days as to make them rich 
in a fruitage which shall abide with us forever. 
Help us to break away from our sins, and to 
become true followers of him who is always 
seeking to bring us nearer his own perfection. 
And unto thee, through Jesus Christ, our 
Saviour, shall be given all praise forever. 
Amen. 



EDUCATIONAL SUNDAY. 87 

SPECIAL SERVICE.— No. 3. 



Educational Sunday. 

"Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge, to know 
wisdom and instruction ; to perceive the words of under- 
standing ; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, 
and judgment, and equity; to give subtilty to the sim- 
ple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise 
man will hear, and will increase learning ; and a man of 
understanding shall attain unto wise counsels : to under- 
stand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the 
wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the Lord is 
the beginning of knowledge : but fools despise wisdom 
and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy 
father, and forsake not the law of thy mother : for they 
shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains 
about thy neck. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, 
so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply 
thine heart to understanding ; yea if thou criest after 
knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if 
thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid 
treasures ; then shalt thou understand the fear of the 
Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord 
giveth wisdom : out of his mouth cometh knowledge and 
understanding. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Hear, ye children, the instruction of 
a father, and attend to know understanding. 

School. — For I give you good doctrine ; forsake ye not 
my law. 



88 THE GUIDE. 

Supt. — Get wisdom, get understanding; forget it not ; 
neither decline from the words of my mouth. 

School. — Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee : 
love her, and she shall keep thee. 

Supt. — Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get 
wisdom : and with all thy getting, get understanding. 

School. — Take fast hold of instruction ; let her not go ; 
keep her ; for she is thy life. 

Supt. — Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 

School. — Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge. 

Supt. — In the lips of him that hath understanding wis- 
dom is found : 

School. — But a rod is for the back of him that is void 
of understanding. 

All — Wise men layeth up knowledge : but the mouth 
of the foolish is near destruction. 

PRAYER. 

God, who art all wise and perfectly true, 
we thank thee for the powers and faculties by 
which Ave are enabled to partake of thy wisdom 
and know thy truth. We thank thee for the 
means which have been provided for the devel- 
opment of these powers ; for the institutions 
which have brought the light of former times 
to our own; for the schools and colleges in 
which the minds of the young may be trained 
for the active duties of life and instructed in 
Christian truth. We thank thee especially for 
the schools and colleges of our own church ; 
for the devotion and sacrifice they represent : 
for the wisdom which has guided and controlled 



CHILDREN'S SUNDAY. 89 

them ; for the good they have done, and for 
the promise which they give of future blessing. 
We pray that thou will grant them thy favor. 
Eaise up around them new friends from year 
to year to supply their material needs and to 
give them succor and support. Turn the minds 
of the young towards them with eager longing 
that they may be led to seek the advantages 
which they are ready to confer. Quicken all 
our hearts and minds with a fresh interest in 
good learning, so that the boundaries of knowl- 
edge maybe enlarged, and so that virtue, which 
is the fruit of perfect knowledge, may be 
increased. We ask it in the name of him who 
is the true Teacher and Saviour, Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen. 



SPECIAL SERVICE.— Xo. L 



Children's Suxday. 

And they brought young children to him, that he should 
touch them ; and his disciples rebuked those that brought 
them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, 
and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come 
unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom 
of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not 
receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not 
enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his 
hands upon them, and blessed them. Children, obey 
your parents in the Lord ; for this is right. Honor thy 
father and thy mother; (which is the first commandment 
with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou 



90 THE GUIDE. 

mayest live long on the earth. And ye fathers provoke 
not your children to wrath ; hut bring them up in the 
nurture and admonition of the Lord. That our sons may 
be as plants grown up in their youth ; that our daugh- 
ters maybe as corner stones, polished after the similitude 
of a palace. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — God. thou art my God. 

School. — Early will I seek thee. 

Supt. — Because thy loving kindness is better than life. 

School.— My lips shall praise thee. 

Supt. — Thus will I bless thee while I live. 

School. — I will lift up my hands in thy name. 

Supt. — My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and 
fatness ; 

School. — And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful 
lips. 

Supt. — Bless the Lord, O my soul ; 

School.— -And all that is within me, bless his holy name. 

Supt. — Who redeemeth thy life from destruction : 

School. — Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and 
tender mercies ; 

Supt. — Who satisfleth thy mouth with good things ; 

School. — So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

Snpt. — Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of 
his dominion. 

All. — Bless the Lord, my soul. 

PRAYER. 

Almighty and ever blessed God, gladly do we 
lift our hearts to thee in praise and thanksgiv- 
ing, for thou art our Father, and thy loving- 
kindness and tender mercy are over all thy 



CHILDREN >S SUNDAY. 91 

works. We bless thee for the world in which 
thou hast placed us, for all its privileges and 
blessings, its gifts of opportunity and delight. 
We thank thee for the nature thou hast 
bestowed, through which comes the enrichment 
of life. Especially do we thank thee that thou 
hast made us social beings, and that thou hast 
bound our hearts together by friendly and 
domestic ties. We rejoice that thou hast set 
the solitary in families, and hast appointed the 
loving homes of earth to be the source of life's 
sweetest and most sacred joys. We give thee 
heartiest thanks for the ministry of children. 
We would recognize their influence of blessing, 
and we would be mindful of the fact that our 
dear Saviour took little children in his arms and 
said, Of such is the kingdom of heaven. Make 
us conscious, Father, of the blessings and les- 
sons which these dear children bring to us, and 
may our hearts be refreshed thereby. May this 
service minister good to our souls. May it 
suggest that which is fair and beautiful in life 
and in religion, and so attract our souls to 
purity and truth. Bless those whom we bring- 
to this altar and name unto thee. May they 
grow into thy knowledge. May they come to 
the excellency of true faith and holy living. 
Give thy grace to parents and guardians. 
May they have a living sense of their duty and 
be faithful thereto. Help us all to do our part 
in the right training of the young ; and so may 
thy kingdom come and thy will be done. 
Amen, 



92 THE GUIDE, 

SPECIAL SERVICE;— No. 5, 



National Independence. 

• 

AYe have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have 
told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times 
of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy 
hand, and plantedst them ; how thou didst afflict the peo- 
ple, and cast them out. For they got not the land in 
possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm 
save them : but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the 
light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favor 
unto them. Thou art my King, O God : command deliv- 
erances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our 
enemies : through thy name will we tread them under 
that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, 
neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved 
us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that 
hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise 
thy name for ever. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Lord, my God, I will give thanks 
unto thee forever. 

Schools- 1 will praise thee among much people. 

Supt. — Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully 
rejoice over me. 

School. — Neither let them wink with the eye that hate 
me without cause. 

Supt.—- -Judge me, Lord my God, according to Un- 
righteousness. 



XATIQiSrAL IXDEPEXDESTCE. 93 

School. — And let them not rejoice over me. 
Supt. — And my tongue shall speak of thy righteous- 
ness, 

All. — And of thy praise all the day long. 

PRAYER. 

God of the morning and evening, of time and 
eternity, graciously permit us to come to thee 
as humble worshippers. Grateful for thy mer- 
cies, which are so many they cannot be num- 
bered, we would render to thee the praise which 
is thy due. We thank thee that we live in a 
Christian land, and for the liberty which the 
toils and sacrifices of our forefathers have 
secured to us. We thank thee for the more 
thau a century of our nation's existence, for the 
wonderful progress that we as a people have 
made, for the marvellous prosperity we have 
enjoyed, and for the favor thou hast shown us. 
While reaping the fruit of the labors of those 
who so wisely laid the foundation of our repub- 
lic, while profiting by the privileges their cour- 
age and wisdom have secured to us, may we 
not be ungrateful, but may we cherish their 
memories and show ourselves worthy to be their 
successors. Be to us our God, and may we be 
thy chosen people. Grant us continued pros- 
perity and even greater blessings. Bless our 
rulers, legislators, and people. Give to all in 
authority, to those who make and administer 
©ur laws, wisdom from on high. May they be 
true to every trust confided to them. Give 
them a clear conception of what is right and 
best, and may they faithfully and fearlessly dis- 



94 THE GUIDE. 

charge every duty. And we entreat tiiee, 
Almighty God, to guide our people in the exer- 
cise of their rights and powers. Make them to 
feel the responsibility of their position, that to 
them is given the selection of our rulers ; and 
while not closing their ears to prudent counsels 
and wise admonitions, may they be true to duty 
and follow the honest convictions of their minds. 
Thus guided and assisted by thee, may we 
become a mighty and prosperous nation, and 
our country a refuge of the oppressed, and the 
home of the free. And may peace, prosperity, 
and happiness prevail throughout our land. 
Bless all nations and peoples everywhere. May 
thy holy name be reverenced and adored in all 
lands, thy almighty power be universally recog- 
nized, and thy infinite will everywhere obeyed. 
May the arm of the oppressor be stayed, and 
the right ever triumph over the wrong. And 
unto thee, the great Creator and Ruler of the 
universe, be all the praise and thanksgiving, 
now and evermore. Amen. 



^SPECIAL SERVICE.— No. G. 



Memoriae Sunday. 

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all com- 
fort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we 
may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by 

*May also be used when a death occurs in the school. Special 
prayers for this purpose will be found in the latter part of the book. 



MEMORIAL SUNDAY. 95 

the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our con- 
solation also aboundeth by Christ. Knowing that he 
which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise us up also by 
Jesus, and shall present us with you. For which cause 
we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet 
the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light 
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far 
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ; while we 
look not at the things which are seen, but at the things 
winch are not seen : for the things which are seen are 
temporal ; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 
For we know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle 
were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not 
made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 

KESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Happy is the man whom God cor- 
rected ; 

School. — Therefore despise not thou the chastening of 
the Almighty. 

Supt. — Though he cause grief, 

School. — Yet will he have compassion according to the 
multitude of his mercies. 

Sifpt. — For he doth not afflict willingly, 

School. — Nor grieve the children of men : 

Supt. — Weeping may endure for a night, 

School. — But joy cometli in the morning. 

Supf. — If a man die shall lie live again? 

School. — Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not 
all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 

Supt. — In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the 
last trump : 



96 THE GUIDE. 

School. — For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead 
shall be rai«ed incorruptible. 

Supt, — And we shall be changed. 

All. — Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

PRAYER. 

Father of our spirits and Father of the spirits 
of all flesh, we rejoice in the Christian assur- 
ance that neither life nor death, nor things 
present nor things to come can separate thy 
children from thee ! In heaven as in earth 
all are thine! To-day, as Ave are especially 
reminded of those who have gone from us, may 
our faith in thee and in thy heaven be so strong 
that we may think of the departed only as liv- 
ing, — living with thee, with thy glorified Son, 
and with the saints in light. We thank thee 
to-day for all blessed memories of departed ones ; 
for our affections which reach out towards 
them, only confirmed by their departure ; 
and for their influence for good which abides in 
our lives. And, while we gratefully remember 
them and seek to emulate their virtues, may we 
so faithfully follow in the footsteps of the Lord 
of life that the separating distance between us 
and them on the scale of character may not be 
too great when we shall be called hence. May 
the hope of reunion in heaven always cheer our 
pathways on earth. May the Holy Spirit so 
enter and control and comfort our hearts that 
we may have patience under our afflictions, 
strength to bear our crosses and at length a 



ALL SOULS SUNDAY. 97 

happy issue out of all darkness and an abun- 
dant entrance into the joys of thy upper king- 
dom. We pray in the name of the risen Christ. 
Amen. 



SPECIAL SERVICE.— No. 7. 
All Souls Sunday. 

I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of 
this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own con- 
ceits, that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until 
the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel 
shall be saved : as it is written there shall come out of 
Sion the deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness 
from Jacob : for this is my covenant unto them, when I 
shall take away their sins. As concerning the* gospel, 
they are enemies for your sakes : but as touching the 
election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For 
the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For 
as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now 
obtained mercy through their unbelief; even so have 
these also now not believed, that through your mercy 
they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded 
them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. 
the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowl- 
edge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and 
his ways past finding out ! For who hath known the 
mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? or 
who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed 
unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to 
him, are all things : to whom be glory forever. Amen. 

7 



98 THE GUIDE. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — The earth is the Lord's, and the ful- 
ness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 

School. — For he hath founded it upon the seas, and 
established it upon the floods. 

Supt. — Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or 
who shall stand in his holy place? 

School. — He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; 
who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn 
deceitfully. 

Supt. — He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, 
and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 

School. — This is the generation of them that seek him, 
that seek thy face, Jacob. 

Supt. — Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye 
lifted up, ye everlasting doors ; 

School. — And the King of glory shall come in. 

Supt. — Who is this King of glory? 

School. — The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty 
in battle. 

Supt. — Lift up your heads, ye gates ; even lift them 
up ye everlasting doors ; 

School. — And the King of glory shall come in. 

Supt. — Who is this King of glory? 

All. — The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. 

PRAYER. 

God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
and the Father of the whole family in earth 
and in heaven, grant us the hearts of little 
children, that our trust in thee may be perfect. 
'We rejoice that thou art the supreme Ruler of 
the universe, and the Owner and Disposer of all 



THANKSGIVING. 99 

things. We rejoice that all souls are thine. 
The humblest and the feeblest of thj r children 
are the objects of thy compassion, and even 
from the most sinful the influences of thy 
restraining love are not withdrawn. Blessed 
be thy name that thou art thus the Father, 
and Friend of all ! help us to remember that 
we are all thy children, that we are bound 
together in one sacred family relation, and that 
we are all fellow-heirs with Christ in a heavenly 
inheritance. May we have generous and loving- 
feelings one for another, and may we be faith- 
ful to whatever concerns the welfare of our 
race. give unto us the spirit of Christ, that 
we may love our friends, our enemies, even the 
whole world of mankind. May we have strong 
confidence in the perfect triumph of right over 
wrong, good over evil, love over selfishness, and 
truth over error, and in the issue of final and 
universal good. In this confidence maywe give 
the warmest love of our hearts and the most 
devoted service of our lives unto thee, our 
Father and our God. Amen. 



SPECIAL SERVICE.— Xo. 8. 



Thanksgiving. 

Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion. Thou visitest 
the earth, and waterest it : thou greatly enrichest it with' 
the river of God, which is full of water : thou preparest 
them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou 
waterest the ridges thereof abundantly : thou settlest the 



100 THE GUIDE. 

furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers : thou 
blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year 
with thy goodness : and thy paths drop fatness. The}" 
drop upon the pastures of the wilderness : and the little 
hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed 
with flocks ; the valleys also are covered over with corn ; 
they shout for joy, they also sing. Bless the Lord, O 
my soul, and forget not his benefits. He sendeth the 
springs into the valleys, which run along the hills. They 
give drink to every beast of the field : the wild asse* 
quench their thirst. By them shall the fowls of the 
heaven have their habitation, which sing among the 
branches. He watereth the hills from his chambers : 
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He 
causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the 
service of man : that he may bring forth food out of the 
earth. 

RESPONSES. 

Superintende?it. — Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye 
lands. 

School. — Sing forth the honor of his name : make his 
praise glorious. 

Supt. — bless our God, ye people, and make the 
voice of his praise to be heard. 

School. — Let the heaven and earth praise him, the 
seas, and everything that moveth therein. 

Supt. — Oh that men would praise the Lord for hi* 
goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of 
men. 

School. — For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth 
the hungry soul with goodness. 

Supt. — Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing 
praise upon the heart unto our God : 



PRAYER. 101 

School. — Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who 
prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow 
upon the mountains. 

Supt. — He giveth to the beast his food, and to the 
young ravens which cry. 

School. — While I live will I praise the Lord ; I will 
sing praises unto my God while I have any being. 

AIL — O come, let us sing nnto the Lord : let us make 
a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. 
PRAYER. 

thou who art the one true and ever living 
God, in this season of rejoicing we would lift 
up our hearts and voices to thee in grateful 
adoration. We bless and praise thee for what 
thou art to us, and for every provision thou 
hast made for our wants. We thank thee for 
the proportion of health thou hast meted to us, 
for the measure of worldly prosperity we enjoy, 
and for loving friends whose kindly favors and 
affections help us on in the journey of life. 
And we heartily rejoice that though sorrows 
and disappointments and sore afflictions may 
have come upon us, yet there is, after all, so 
much in this world to make us glad, so much 
for which we can be thankful. We pray thee, 
blessed Lord, to make us more thankful. Make 
us to appreciate life's blessings and privileges, and 
to so use them that we may not only promote 
our own happiness, but make glad the hearts of 
all within our reach.* W^e pray thee to relieve the 
sufferings of the poor. Give comfort to the 
sorrow stricken ones, and assuage their griefs. 
Strengthen the weak and despondent, and give 



102 THE GUIDE. 

to all the consolations of thy gospel of love, 
peace, and truth ; and which come from the 
knowledge that thou, the Infinite Father of all, 
ever liveth and reigneth, and that not even a 
sparrow falleth to the ground without thy 
notice. Bless our country ; and may the bless- 
ings of peace and prosperity ever continue. 
Bless our church, school, and parish. Prosper 
us in all our undertakings. Relieve our wants, 
satisfy our desires, and unite us closely in the 
bonds of Christian love and fellowship. And 
finally receive us to thyself in thy heavenly 
kingdom, to dwell with thee forevermore. 
Amen.* 1 



SPECIAL SERVICE.— Xo. 9. 



Christmas. 

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding 
in the field, keeping watch over tlieir flock by night. 
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the 
glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they 
were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear 
not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, 
which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this 
day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the 
Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you ; Ye shall find 
the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the 
heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in 
the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 



PRAYER. 103 

RESPONSES. 

Superintendent. — Unto us a child is born, 

School. — Unto us a Son is given : 

Sv.pt. — And the government shall be upon his shoul- 
der : 

School. — And his name shall be called Wonderful, 
Counsellor, 

Supt. — The mighty God, the everlasting Father, 

School. — The Prince of Peace. 

Supt. — Of the increase of his government there shall 
be no end. 

School. — The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform 
this. 

Supt. — Behold my servant, whom I uphold ; 

School. — Mine elect in whom my soul delighteth. 

Supt. — I have put my spirit upon him ; 

School. — He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he 
have set judgment in the earth. 

Supt. — Let the heavens rejoice, 

School. — And let the earth be glad ; 

Supt. — Let the sea roar and the fulness thereof; 

School. — The world, and they that dwell therein. 

Supt. — Let the floods clap their hands : 

School. — Let the hills be joyful together before the 
Lord, 

Supt. — For he cometh to judge the earth : 

School. — With righteousness shall he judge the world, 

Supt. — And the people with equity. 

All. — Amen and Amen. 

PRAYER. 

We lift up our hearts unto thee, God, who 
art the greatest, wisest, and best of beings, and 



104 THE GUIDE. 

who art our Father in heaven. Thou hast been 
mindful of us, and hast given to us manifold 
tokens of thy love. We thank thee for all thy 
gifts. Especially do we thank thee for all great 
and gifted souls by whom the world has been 
instructed and blessed ; for those in every land 
and age who have been chosen to send abroad 
the light, and truth, and peace of heaven. We 
bless thee for that greatest teacher, that divine 
helper, whose advent to earth we celebrate to- 
day. We rejoice that through him thou didst 
reveal thy Fatherly giace and compassions, and 
didst make known thy merciful purposes. We 
welcome anew the Holy Child Jesus, who 
appeared among men in great humility, but 
whom thou hast appointed to bless and save the 
world. May his name be more and more dear 
to our hearts. May the spirit that ruled his 
life be in us, to make us gentle, kind, pure and 
loving, that so we may be true disciples of him 
who is the everlasting image of thy perfections. 
And may the work of the risen Saviour go for- 
ward, until all hearts shall unite in the one glad 
utterance of glory to thee in the highest, peace 
on earth, and good will to men. Amen. 



ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 

Fok Opening. 



We thank thee, our Father, that thou hast 
given us thy word, and that we are taught thy 
truth. May we learn to love that truth. May 
it be so fixed in our minds, that, with the faith 
of Christ on our lips, and in our hearts, we may 
know and do thy will. So shall our tongues 
praise thee with songs of joy and our hearts 
shall love thee more than words can tell. Be 
with us now that we are here to bless thy name ; 
be with us at all times. Blot out all our sins, 
and make us to serve thee now and evermore, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

II. 

Father in heaven, we cannot sin against thee 
and not suffer. We cannot stray from thee and 
not be lost. Vie cannot hate the light and not 
wrong our own souls. We need light, and thou 
alone canst give it. We are weak, and thou 
alone canst make us strong. Help us that we 
may walk in the light, and have strength to do 
thy will, through our Lord and Master. Amen. 

III. 

Most high and holy God, all our help is in 
thee. Grant us thy peac<% that we may walk 



106 THE GUIDE. 

in the light. We pray thee to forgive all our 
sins. And grant that from this time forth Ave 
may serve thee all the days of our life. Help 
us in the study of thy word, and may we all 
become the faithful followers of him who was 
the way, the truth, and the life. We ask it in 
his name. Amen. 

IV. 

Our Father, we pray thee to be with us and 
bless us this day. Teach us to keep thee ever 
in our thought, that we may fall into no evil 
way. When we go out and when we come in ; 
when alone, and when with others, may we bear 
in mind that thou art with ns, and that thou 
knowest all we think, and say, and do. Help 
us day by day to learn more and more how we 
may walk so as to please thee. Forgive all our 
sins, whether of thought or deed, and save us 
at last with an abundant salvation, through our 
Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 

V. 

Lord, we bless thy name for what we have 
received at thy hands. May the thought of thy 
goodness lead us to repent of all our sins, and 
in the time to come may we do thy holy will. 
Help us to keep our tongues from evil and our 
lips from guile. Give us, we pray thee, right 
minds, that we may see thy truth ; and grant 
us meek hearts that Ave may enter thy kingdom. 
And when it shall please thee to call us from 
this world, may we give our souls with trust 
and hope into thy hands. We ask it through 
Christ. Amen. 



PRAYEES. 10? 

VI. 

We thank thee, heavenly Father, for the gift 
of thine only begotten Son. Thou didst send 
him into the world to make known thy ways. 
May we aim to be like him, to have his spirit, 
to be ready at all times, to do and bear for the 
sake of thy truth. Make our hearts a fit abode 
for thy blessed spirit. Guard us from all that 
is wrong in thy sight. And make us wholly 
thine forevermore. Amen. 

VII. 

Father in heaven-, we bless thee for the great 
love of Christ, for the means of grace, and for 
the hope of the life to come. Help us to profit 
by all the blessings we enjoy, and to be true to 
duty and thee. We pray thee to look in mercy 
upon this school. Give to those who teach a 
deep sense of the great work they have to do. 
Grant them every gift they need, and may they 
find pleasure and satisfaction in sowing the 
seeds' of gospel truth. Bless all who are taught. 
May they be quick to learn and be blessed by 
the instruction they receive. And as they 
grow in grace, may they also grow in wisdom, 
and find favor with God and man ; which we 
ask in the Redeemer's name. Amen, 



SICKNESS. 

For a Teacher Sick. 

Merciful God!- we pray for our suffering 
friend, whom sickness keeps from our Sabbath 
school. Only in thee is our hope. Bless, O 



108 THE GUIDE. 

Lord, the ministry of human skill and affection, 
and let thy servant live. Too few are the labor- 
ers in the field of our Divine Master, and we 
would not spare even one. Turn our fear into 
hope ; give us rejoicing for trembling, and mar 
the vacant place again be filled. But we own 
thy perfection, and pray in submission to thee. 
Send the calm of celestial peace to thy servant, 
and let the fulness of the Gospel hope be 
enjoyed. 0, give to us all the joy of a conquer- 
ing faith, and may we minister to each other as 
the changes of life may demand. May none of 
us live to self alone, but in sickness, as in health, 
strive to exalt the power of love in the rule of 
our spirit and the kindness of our lives. May 
we use all opportunities to thy praise, and be 
ready for death with the hope of immortality 
and reunion, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

For a Scholar Sick. 

Hear, Father, the cry of our anxious hearts 
for one on whom sickness lies with a heavy 
burden. Brittle is the thread of life, and thou 
alone canst make it endure. We own all life to 
be from thee. Thine is our schoolmate. Thou 
hast wise and gracious purposes when thou per- 
mittest sickness to come to our homes ; and 0, 
now that we mourn its presence, now that a 
form dear to us is laid low, may Ave not forget 
to own and to adore thy Providence. Send 
healing, God, to that home where the sick 
one lies, and let the fear of * bereavement pass 
from their minds. But, Father of mercies, we 



PRAYERS. 109 

would pray in submission to thy holy will, and 
we would not rebel against thy sovereign pleas- 
ure. Sanctify to our schoolmate, to us, and to 
all who sorrow as we do, the anxiety felt. Pre- 
pare us to look aright upon the issue, and to 
learn how frail we are. May we ever live to 
thee : then we shall not be afraid when we walk 
through the valley of the shadow of death, for 
our hearts will be with thee in heaven. 0, hear 
our prayer, and send answers of peace and hope, 
through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 



DEATH. 

Death oe a Teacher. 

Holy and merciful Lord, God, be thou blessed 
both now and evermore, for all that thou doest 
is good. Thou hast been pleased to call away 
one of our number from thy school on earth to 
thy school in heaven. We thank thee for the 
faithful services of him (her) whom thou hast 
taken, and for all his (her) influence for good 
as a teacher in this Sunday-school. When thou 
takest away we see how much thou hast given ! 
We thank thee for the dear memories con- 
nected with his (her) life : and while we mourn 
his (her) departure from our midst, may we 
strive to emulate his (her) virtues, and to seek 
a more intimate acquaintance with the great 
Teacher, as he (she) would have us do. We 
thank thee for the many blessings which 
remain, especially for our Sunday-school and 
for the services of faithful souls consecrated to 



110 THE GUIDE. 

the good of the young. May we seek more 
constantly the best things, and cling more 
firmly to the hopes of the everlasting gospel, 
which no earthly trouble can overshadow. 
Lord, hear our prayer and let our cry come unto 
thee ! Amen. 

Death of a Scholar. 

Blessed be thy name, Lord, forever, who 
hast permitted this affliction to come upon our 
Sunday-school. We are not able to fly from it, 
but we would fly to thee that thou mayest sup- 
port us under it and make it instrumental to 
our good. Thou hast taken from us a com- 
panion in this school of Christ. We mourn 
that we shall not see him (her) again in our 
midst ; but we rejoice in the Christian assur- 
ance that he (she) has entered the higher school 
above! May our Sunday-school be to us a holier 
thing because of this new link binding it to 
heaven. Give us grace to make the best use of 
the opportunities which are still ours here, that, 
when thou shalt call us to go up higher, we may 
be better fitted for thy service there. Keep us 
always in the spirit of little children in the 
presence of the Christian verities, that we may 
be true members of the kingdom of Christ in the 
earth and sharers in his reign in heaven ! We 
pray in his adorable name. Amen. 



INDEX. 



Page. 
Preface 3 

Primary Class Hymn 7 

Lord's Prayer — Chant 8 

Order of Service, I * . . . . 9 

Order of Service, II « 12 

Order of Service, III 15 

SERVICES. 

I. The Mercy of the Lord 17 

II. God's Pleasure and Purpose 19 

III. Promises of God 21 

IV. God's Love 24 

V. The Wicked Punished 26 

VI. The Righteous Rewarded 28 

VII. God our Father 30 

VIII. Christ our Saviour 33 

]X. Eternal Life 35 

X. Repentance 37 

XI. Forgiveness 40 

XH. Obedience to God's Law 42 

XIII. Contentment 45 

XIV. The Resurrection 47 

XV. The Second Coming of Christ 50 

XVI. All Saved 53 

XVII. Practical Christianity 55 

XVIIL Faith 58 

XDf. Hope 60 



112 THE GUIDE. 

Page. 
XX. Charity .63 

XXI. The Good Shepherd 65 

XXII. Prayer 67 

XXIII. The End of the World 70 

XXIY. The Kingdom of Heaven 72 

XXV. Love One Another 75 

XXVI. Pure Religion 77 

SPECIAL SERVICES. 

No. 1. The New Year ....81 

No. 2. Easter Sunday 84 

No. 3. Educational Sunday 87 

No. 4. Children's Sunday 89 

No. 5. National Independence 92 

No. 6. Memorial Sunday 94 

No. 7. All Souls Sunday 97 

No. 8. Thanksgiving 99 

No. 9. Christmas 102 

ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. 

Opening 105 

For a Teacher Sick 107 

For a Scholar Sick 108 

Death of a Teacher 109 

Death of a Scholar 1 10 



)X0 



n 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

1 



Supt's Record Books. 

Supt's Quarterly Record, 

Collection Envelopes. 

Class Books. 

Maps of All Kinds. 

Exhibition Pieces. 

Concert Exercises. 

Blackboards. 

Service Books. 

Helps for S. S. Concerts. 

Instruction Books. 



Library Cards. 
Library Record Books. 
Improved Library Records. 
National Library Records. 
Library Labels. 
Library Numbers. 
Commentaries. 
Model S. S. Speaker. 
Bible Dictionaries. 
Sunday School Cards. 
Sunday School Libraries. 



Concordances, 



jsajWY jscpeeii 

We furnish all books published in this line. Samples furnished 
on favorable ter ; ;is. 

We hope by diligent and prompt attention to business and the 
lowest market prices, to secure the patronage of the Sunday 
Schools of the Universalist Church. Our Agent, having had many 
years' experience as a Sunday School Officer, will give personal at- 
tention to filling orders in this department. Everything required 
for use in a Sunday School furnished at short notice. Officer- 
Teachers visiting the city are invited to examine our Stock. Cata- 
logues furnished on application. 

UNIVEBSALIST PUBLISHING HOUSE. 



UNDAY SCHOOL o(Ei90347A 



WE CALL THE ATTENTION OF 

to our new and complete stock of goods required by them for use 
in their Sunday School work. We can furnish for this purpose : 



